Road Restoration Underway at War Footing in Flood-Hit Areas: PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Saturday assured that the state government is working at a war footing to reopen roads in the flood and landslide-affected areas of Nachan and Seraj constituencies in Mandi district. The efforts aim to accelerate relief and rehabilitation operations for affected residents.
Speaking after reaching the disaster-hit Thunag area, Minister Singh said that the devastation caused by cloudbursts and torrential rain has severely impacted local connectivity, making road access extremely difficult. He reached Thunag by trekking on foot for part of the journey through Leh Galla from Bagsiad due to damaged roads.
“The pain and suffering of the affected people cannot be expressed in words. The government is making every sensitive and practical effort to restore normal life and help victims stand back on their feet,” he stated.
Road Connectivity Being Restored to Isolated Villages
Minister Singh informed that efforts are underway to reconnect Thunag with Bagsiad and Janjehli with Karsog to ensure the smooth delivery of essential supplies and services. He also announced that the government will explore the possibility of channelizing the Khad (rivulet) flowing through Thunag to minimize future damage to public and private property.
During his visit, the minister met with several affected families in the villages of Daan, Gohar, Tilli, Baga, Pangliur, Syanj, and Sakoli Khad. He expressed condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the disaster and assured full support from the state government.
“The government stands firmly with every family during this tragic time,” Singh emphasized.
Rs.5,000 Rent Assistance for Displaced Families
The minister announced that families rendered homeless by the disaster will be given Rs. 5,000 per month by the state government to support them in renting accommodation temporarily.
He reported that around 250 roads and 14 bridges in Mandi district have been damaged due to cloudbursts and flooding. Of these, six bridges lie in the Thunag subdivision alone. Directions have been issued to construct a Bailey bridge between Baga and Pangliur to restore connectivity quickly.
Additionally, Singh directed officials to bring roads like Chadda Nala, Peehan, and Phagwara (in Gawad Panchayat) under the PWD’s jurisdiction for proper repair and maintenance.
Relief Material Reaching Isolated Areas via Helicopters and Porters
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, the district administration is executing relief operations at full pace. Relief materials are being delivered to affected areas through helicopters, small vehicles, mules, home guards, and porters. Medical teams along with adequate medicines have also been dispatched to ensure timely health checkups for those in remote locations.
Senior Leaders Join Ground-Level Inspection
Accompanying the minister were Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, former candidate Naresh Chauhan, senior Congress leader from Seraj Vijay Pal Singh, and Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan. High-ranking officials from the PWD, Electricity, and Jal Shakti Departments were also present to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts.
This visit and the government’s swift actions underscore the urgency and seriousness with which the state is addressing the ongoing natural calamity in Mandi district, ensuring that all available resources are deployed for the safety and rehabilitation of the affected population.
