Former MLA Ravi Thakur Leads Lahaul Delegation to Meet Jairam Thakur in Manali, Urges Central Team Visit to Assess Disaster Damage.
Shimla:
Former MLA of Lahaul-Spiti and senior BJP leader Ravi Thakur led a delegation from Lahaul to meet Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur during his visit to Manali on Friday. The delegation urged Jairam Thakur to undertake a visit to Lahaul-Spiti along with central representatives to assess the severe damage caused by recent natural disasters in the region.
Ravi Thakur informed that the delegation comprised residents from various parts of Lahaul-Spiti who gathered to highlight the unaddressed damages and administrative apathy. The members requested that a ground-level survey be conducted, and a detailed report be forwarded to the central government for necessary relief and rehabilitation.
Severe Damage in Lahaul, Little Response from Authorities
Speaking to the media, Ravi Thakur stated that numerous villages in Lahaul-Spiti have been heavily affected by floods, especially Mayad Valley, where Karpat village has been completely displaced. In villages such as Haling, Jasrath, and Lindoor, several families have lost their agricultural land to the floods.
“More than 300 families have lost land, including myself,” Ravi Thakur revealed. “Yet, no revenue officer has visited for assessment. This lack of administrative presence is deeply concerning.”
He also highlighted the plight of local farmers, stating that only 40% of Lahaul’s agricultural produce has made it to market so far, and that too had to be sold at extremely low prices due to poor connectivity and flood damage. A staggering 60% of the crops remain stuck in the fields, with no clear logistical path for distribution.
Criticism of State Government and Call for Central Review
Ravi Thakur took aim at the Himachal Pradesh government, accusing them of neglecting disaster-hit areas. He criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for not visiting the Aleu road, a critical lifeline for farmers, during his recent Manali tour.
“In contrast,” Thakur added, “former CM Jairam Thakur toured disaster-hit areas extensively, including Vashisht Chowk, and directly engaged with BRO (Border Roads Organisation) officials to monitor reconstruction work on the National Highway.”
While acknowledging that the central government has been providing assistance, Ravi Thakur expressed concern that the state’s administrative machinery has failed to deliver relief on the ground. He committed to raising these concerns at the central level and pushing for an official review.
Assurance from the Leader of Opposition
In response, Jairam Thakur assured the delegation that he would soon visit Lahaul-Spiti along with central representatives to assess the ground situation. This visit is expected to strengthen the case for central intervention and support for the region’s recovery.
The delegation expressed hope that with the involvement of central authorities and continued pressure from the opposition, the people of Lahaul-Spiti would finally receive the relief and recognition they urgently need in the wake of natural calamities.
