CM Sukhu Conducts Aerial Survey of Kullu-Manali, Urges Centre for Forest Land and Relief Package for Disaster-Hit Families.
Shimla:
In the wake of severe devastation caused by flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides during this year’s monsoon season, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-affected areas of Kullu and Manali on Friday, assessing the scale of damage and reviewing relief efforts on the ground.
The Chief Minister departed from Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla, aboard an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying ration and essential supplies for the affected population. Upon landing, he visited several devastated areas including Vashisth Chowk, Bahang, Old Manali, and Akhara Bazaar, where landslides buried houses, causing loss of lives. Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, he directed local authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations and instructed BRO officials to expedite road restoration efforts. Inspections were also carried out at the damaged Bhootnath and Bhuntar bridges.
Speaking to the media in Kullu, CM Sukhu said the monsoon this year had wreaked havoc across the state, resulting in massive loss of life and property, and the situation had worsened over the last four days due to continuous rainfall. He said the state government was providing all possible assistance to the affected families, and district administrations had been directed to deliver relief swiftly and efficiently.
Highlighting recent efforts, he shared that 605 pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba were safely airlifted from Bharmour to Chamba using Army Chinook and MI-17 helicopters, and then transported to their destinations free of cost in HRTC buses.
He also announced the cancellation of all examinations in the state due to adverse weather and travel conditions.
To support farmers and orchardists, who have also been severely impacted, the government is working to ensure transportation of their produce to market areas, despite damaged roads. Restoration of essential services like electricity and water supply remains a top priority.
The Chief Minister revealed that families who lost their homes completely are being provided with financial assistance of Rs. 7.70 lakh, and compensation is also being extended for the loss of livestock.
In a strong message to the Central Government, CM Sukhu stated that the state is currently providing relief using its limited own resources, as no central support has been received so far. He appealed to BJP MPs and leadership to rise above politics and press the Centre to approve the allocation of one bigha of forest land per family to help disaster-affected people resettle safely. He noted that 68% of the state’s land falls under forest area, and such land cannot be allotted without central government approval.
He further criticized BJP leaders for being active only on social media, while Congress leaders were on the ground, working closely with affected communities. The Chief Minister also announced that the state government had prepared a Rs. 3,000 crore project proposal for the World Bank, aimed at long-term disaster management, rebuilding, and rehabilitation.
MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Gaur, APMC Kullu Chairman Mian Ram Singh, Deputy Commissioner Torul S. Ravish, and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to stand firmly with every disaster-affected family and to ensure that relief reaches the last person in need.
