CM Sukhu Orders War-Footing Relief Operations in Flood-Hit Himachal Districts.
Presides Over High-Level Virtual Disaster Review from New Delhi; Assures Safety of Manimahesh Yatris and Stranded Tourists.
Shimla:
In a decisive move to expedite relief and restoration efforts in flood-affected regions of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister’s Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level disaster review meeting today via video conferencing from New Delhi. The meeting focused on five severely impacted districts — Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Mandi — where torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have caused widespread disruption.
Chief Minister Sukhu directed officials to carry out all rescue, relief, and restoration operations on a war footing. Expressing deep concern over the situation, he emphasized the urgent need to restore basic infrastructure and ensure the safety and well-being of stranded pilgrims and tourists.
Focus on Manimahesh Yatra: Devotees Safe, Evacuation Underway
Special attention was given to the ongoing Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. Interacting with the Divisional Commissioner stationed at Chamba and the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police positioned at Bharmour, the Chief Minister was informed that all stranded devotees were safe and were being provided with adequate food, shelter, and first aid.
The Chief Minister instructed the district administration to prioritize restoring communication services, especially in Bharmour, to allow those stranded to connect with their families. He also ordered swift evacuation of pilgrims, with special attention to women, children, the elderly, and the ill, who were to be airlifted where necessary.
Furthermore, he called for airdropping food supplies to areas that remain inaccessible and directed the deployment of Air Force helicopters to aid the efforts.
Chamba Infrastructure Gradually Being Restored
Officials informed that telecom services by Jio, Airtel, and BSNL have been restored in Chamba town, and the 25-km road between Chamba and Bharmour is now operational. The Chief Minister emphasized patch-wise road restoration, assigning officers specific responsibilities to ensure accountability.
He also stressed the mobilization of additional manpower and machinery to clear blocked roads and reinstate electricity and water supply schemes swiftly.
Evacuation of Tourists in Lahaul-Spiti Completed
In Lahaul-Spiti, the Chief Minister ordered the complete evacuation of stranded tourists by evening. Later in the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Lahaul-Spiti confirmed that all 380 tourists in Sissu were safely evacuated. Telecom services (Jio and Airtel) were partially restored, and electricity generation resumed at Thirot sub-station, signaling gradual normalization.
Update on Other Districts and Roads
In Mandi and Kullu, the Chief Minister instructed Deputy Commissioners to ensure smooth vehicular movement through alternate routes, and to restrict heavy vehicles on sensitive stretches. He was informed that Pathankot-Chamba road is now open to all vehicles, and that small vehicles are plying on the Kamand-Katola route toward Kullu, while NH-03 between Kullu and Mandi is open for small vehicles only. Most major roads in Mandi are open, barring the Mandi-Sarkaghat route via Basahi/Dharampur.
In Kangra, particularly the remote Bara-Bhangal area, CM Sukhu directed officials to airdop essential supplies and carry out rapid assessment of washed-away land and properties.
Restoration work at Indora, Fatehpur, and Pong Dam is also underway. The Chief Minister was informed that water levels at Pong Dam have receded, and affected residents have been safely relocated.
Top-Level Monitoring and Coordination
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena briefed the Chief Minister on the overall response and assured that the administration is working round-the-clock to provide relief. He also noted that Divisional Commissioner and DIG of Kangra are currently stationed at Chamba to directly oversee operations.
The video conference was attended by Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and key officials from all five districts.
CM’s Closing Remarks
Reiterating the state’s commitment to the safety of its citizens and visitors, CM Sukhu said, “This is not the time for delays. Every stranded person must feel that the government stands with them. Relief and rescue must reach every corner — no matter how remote.”
The Chief Minister concluded by instructing the Chief Secretary to maintain continuous coordination with all districts and to ensure timely and effective execution of all directives.
