CM Sukhu Orders Intensification of Rescue, Relief Operations in Rain-Hit Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
In light of the widespread devastation caused by torrential rains across Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu onon Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing rescue and relief operations. The Chief Minister issued firm directives to all district administrations to intensify efforts on war footing, while ensuring swift restoration of essential services including electricity, water supply, and road connectivity in the affected areas.
Emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, CM Sukhu said, “There is no dearth of funds. Timely action must be ensured by the administration.” He instructed officers to conduct personal visits to affected areas to provide hands-on support and ensure that no person in distress is left unattended.
Evacuation of Stranded Manimahesh Yatra Pilgrims
A key focus of the review meeting was the evacuation of pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. CM Sukhu directed the local administration to coordinate with the Indian Air Force for deploying 5–6 MI-17 helicopters to facilitate rescue efforts, as soon as the weather permits. He also emphasized the importance of staying in constant touch with the families of the stranded pilgrims and making adequate food arrangements for those awaiting evacuation.
The Chief Minister commended the efforts of Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, who is camping at Bharmour, closely supervising relief and rescue operations. He urged all departments to maintain close coordination with the Minister for efficient management of the situation.
Relief for Students and Road Restoration in Critical Areas
In a compassionate move, CM Sukhu directed officials to ensure the safe return of students from Kerala stranded in Kinnaur, with travel arrangements to be made free of cost.
He also reviewed the situation in Kullu district, instructing that road restoration in Banjar and Anni, the worst-hit regions, be expedited immediately. The Air Force will assist in airlifting heavy machinery to speed up the road repair work.
In Shimla district’s Chopal area, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) was directed to restore power supply without delay.
Recognizing the importance of the ongoing apple season, the Chief Minister instructed PWD and NHAI to prioritize road connectivity in apple-growing belts to prevent post-harvest losses to farmers.
Heavy Losses: 122 Landslides, 341 Lives Lost This Monsoon
The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the scale of devastation. So far, Rs. 3,526 crore in cumulative losses have been estimated since the onset of the monsoon season. Himachal Pradesh has witnessed:
- 122 landslides
- 95 flash floods
- 45 cloudbursts
- 341 deaths due to rain-related incidents
In the last 24 hours alone, 11 fatalities have been reported:
- 7 in Sundernagar (Mandi district)
- 2 in Kullu district
- 2 in Bithal (Shimla district)
Expressing grief and condolences, the Chief Minister said the State Government stands firmly with the affected families, assuring that all possible assistance will be extended. “I pray to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss,” he added solemnly.
Senior Officials Participate in High-Level Review
The meeting held in Shimla was attended by:
- Raghubir Singh Bali, HPTDC Chairman
- Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary
- K.K. Pant, Additional Chief Secretary
- Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary to the CM
- D.C. Rana, Special Secretary (Revenue)
Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from various districts participated virtually to provide ground-level updates.
With the administration on high alert and round-the-clock efforts underway, the State Government has reiterated its resolve to overcome this natural calamity with speed, coordination, and compassion.
