700 Houses Damaged in Seraj Due to Disaster, CM Sukhu’s Visit Accelerates Relief Efforts: Vijay Pal Singh.
Shimla:
In a press conference held in Mandi, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee Intelectual Cell and Congress leader from Seraj Vijay Pal Singh highlighted the extensive damage caused by the recent natural disaster in the Saraj region of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh. According to Singh, nearly 700 houses have been damaged, and the region continues to face challenges such as blocked roads, disrupted electricity, and water supply.
However, Singh commended the proactive response of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, stating that his recent two-day visit to Saraj has brought significant momentum to relief and rehabilitation efforts. “The Chief Minister gave clear directives to the officials to ensure there is no negligence in relief operations,” Singh said. He also informed the media that Rs 7 crore has been allocated for relief efforts across various departments, enabling rapid commencement of work on a war footing.
While acknowledging the efforts of the administration and volunteer organizations in delivering essential supplies to affected areas, Singh pointed out a shortage of on-ground volunteers to distribute relief materials in remote villages. He appealed to the youth to come forward and offer voluntary services to ensure that relief reaches every affected household.
“Many roads remain inaccessible,” Singh added, “but efforts are underway to restore connectivity. The government and administration are fully engaged in restoring normalcy.”
Singh also praised CM Sukhu’s empathetic approach, saying the Chief Minister not only visited multiple disaster-hit locations but also interacted directly with victims, shared meals with them, and opened VIP rooms in rest houses for the displaced, signaling an end to “VIP culture” in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
The Congress leader further expressed concern that the actual number of damaged homes may be higher, as some areas are still unreachable. He stated that resettlement efforts are ongoing, but the issue of relocating people from forest land continues to delay rehabilitation. He emphasized that the Chief Minister has discussed this critical matter with the Leader of the Opposition, and both have agreed to raise it at the central level.
Singh urged all MPs from Himachal Pradesh to advocate for Seraj’s cause in Parliament. However, he strongly criticized the sitting MP from Mandi, suggesting that the Prime Minister should ask for her resignation and send someone more responsible in her place.
In conclusion, Vijay Pal Singh stressed the need for unity in times of crisis, stating, “Leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties have been serious about the disaster in Seraj. Ministers and opposition leaders alike are contributing both personally and politically to relief efforts.”
The press conference painted a picture of a region struggling with the aftermath of a severe disaster, but also highlighted the resilience of the administration, political leadership, and people working together for recovery.
During the conference, Singh was accompanied by Joginder Singh Guleria, Director HPMC Himachal Pradesh.
