CM Sukhu Orders Urgent DPRs for Damaged Projects in Seraj, Seeks Safe Land for Resettlement.
CM, Leader of Opposition review relief work in Thunag; Chail Chowk–Janjheli road to be proposed under CRIF.
Shimla:
In a rare show of political unity amid crisis, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur came together at the Thunag Rest House on Wednesday evening to review the extensive damage caused by recent torrential rains and cloudbursts in the Seraj Assembly constituency of Mandi district.
The meeting focused on accel relief and rehabilitation efforts in the region, with both leaders acknowledging the scale of devastation and the urgency to act before the onset of winter.
DPRs to Be Prepared for Key Infrastructure
Chief Minister Sukhu directed all departments to immediately prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for damaged roads, bridges, water supply schemes, and electricity lines. Special emphasis was laid on the 56-kilometre Chail Chowk–Janjheli road, which the state will propose for funding under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The CM instructed that the DPR for this stretch be completed within a week.
He assured that the state government would provide all necessary funding for Bailey and suspension bridges to restore connectivity in severely affected areas.
Push for Resettlement Before Winter
With many families having lost homes and land, CM Sukhu asked the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, to identify safe land for temporary resettlement. These sites would soon see the installation of prefabricated shelters to provide immediate relief, he said.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who represents the Seraj constituency, stressed the urgency of rehabilitation, pointing out that cloudbursts had rendered many families homeless. “With winter fast approaching, temporary shelters must be prioritized,” he added.
Relief Progress and Coordination
Despite widespread damage, CM Sukhu reported that 60 percent of drinking water schemes have already been temporarily restored. He asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to work in close coordination with the Leader of Opposition and other departments to fast-track ongoing relief operations.
He also announced that he would soon visit Delhi to meet Union Ministers and seek a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh.
Damage to Horticulture Under Assessment
The Chief Minister directed officials to assess the losses suffered by horticulturists, a key economic concern for the region. Many orchards and farms have been reportedly washed away or severely damaged due to landslides and waterlogging.
Leaders Present
The review meeting was attended by former Minister Prakash Chaudhary, Congress leaders Vijay Pal Singh, Jagdish Reddy, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Jeevan Thakur, and Naresh Chauhan, among others.
