Relief and Restoration Works in Full Swing in Rain-Hit Mandi: CM Assures All-Out Support to Affected People.
Shimla:
Relief and restoration efforts are being carried out on a war footing in the disaster-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh, especially in Thunag, Janjheli, and other parts of Mandi district, which have been severely impacted by cloudbursts, landslides, and incessant rainfall. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the government stands firmly with the people in their hour of distress and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.
The Chief Minister emphasized that daily review meetings led by the Chief Secretary are being conducted to ensure swift and effective inter-departmental coordination. He assured that the state machinery is fully active and responsive to the needs of the affected population.
Teams from both the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been stationed in the worst-affected areas, including Janjheli and the Thunag subdivision. Senior officials including the Engineer-in-Chief of PWD, Director (Operations) of the State Electricity Board, and the Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department are present on-site in Thunag to supervise ongoing efforts.
The Chief Minister has directed all departments to work in tandem and expedite the restoration of road connectivity, electricity, and drinking water supply, particularly in the worst-hit areas. Essential supplies have already begun reaching affected populations. A total of 246 ration kits containing flour, rice, pulses, and edible oil have been air-dropped — 157 in Thunag, 69 in Janjheli, and 20 in the Longni relief camp in Dharampur.
Across the state, 392 roads have been blocked due to landslides and flooding. The Public Works Department is working intensively, with 289 JCBs and excavators, 15 robots, 16 dozers, and 111 tippers deployed to reopen routes. Of the blocked roads, 196 were expected to reopen today, 79 by July 4, and the remaining 117 in the days to follow. The estimated damage to road infrastructure between June 20 and July 3 stands at approximately Rs. 182 crore.
Mandi district has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 189 roads blocked and damages estimated at Rs. 47 crore. A significant number of machines, including 84 JCBs and excavators, a robot, three dozers, and 36 tippers, have been deployed in the district. Key roads under active restoration include MDR 24 (Mandi-Gaggal-Chail Chowk-Janjheli), Sanarli–Shankar Dera Road, MDR 119 (Chattri-Magrugalla to Janjheli), and MDR 96 (Thalout-Panjain-Thachi-Shetadhar-Chiuni-Lambathach).
The Jal Shakti Department is also making every effort to restore water supply and irrigation systems, many of which have suffered heavy damage. Despite road closures and poor communication networks, teams are working tirelessly. Gravity-based schemes have been activated temporarily, and water is being supplied via hand pumps and natural sources. Field testing kits have been distributed to panchayats to monitor water quality.
On the electricity front, the 33 KV Gohar–Thunag line has been restored, and supply to essential installations in Thunag was expected to resume by evening. Efforts are ongoing to restore the 33 KV Gohar–Pandoh line. Extensive damage has also been reported to power infrastructure around Janjheli. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd (HPSEBL) has deployed five teams comprising 60 personnel to restore power. Losses to HPSEBL infrastructure in and around Thunag are estimated at Rs. 20 crore, with damage to the Gohar–Thunag–Janjheli and Gohar–Pandoh lines, 8 km of 11 KV lines, and disruptions to 258 transformers.
To address communication challenges, Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) has been activated in the Thunag area by the Department of Telecommunications, and ISATs have been deployed to facilitate emergency communication.
Commending the tireless efforts of frontline workers, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy at the earliest. He affirmed that relief and rehabilitation operations are being continuously monitored at the highest level to ensure effective and timely support to those affected.
