Himalaya Niti Abhiyan flags delayed relief in Murhag, seeks CM intervention
Mandi, Aug 4,
In the wake of severe devastation caused by floods and landslides in the Murhag Panchayat of Mandi district, two civil society groups—Saraj Aapda Sujhav Manch and Himalaya Niti Abhiyan—have jointly petitioned the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, expressing serious concern over the slow pace of relief and rehabilitation efforts in the region. The memorandum was submitted after a ground visit to the affected villages, including Surah, Oondhigaad, Khunagi, Khamrada, Dogri, and Kilin, where the groups observed first-hand the extent of destruction.
According to Rajneesh Sharma, convener of the Saraj Aapda Sujhav Manch, who led the assessment on August 2, around 90 percent of the agricultural land in the area has been washed away. Several homes and cattle sheds have collapsed, and the basic infrastructure, including roads, bridges, electricity lines, drinking water supply, and footpaths, lies in ruins. Surah village has been entirely cut off and stands devastated, with no restoration of essential services such as electricity, water, or ration supplies even after a month of the disaster. The local primary school and health centre have been destroyed, forcing classes up to fifth grade to be held in a rented room. Additionally, seventeen students from the village studying at the senior secondary school in Bharari have not been able to return home due to the frequent flooding of local streams.
The groups also voiced disappointment that local political leaders, particularly the area MLA and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, have not yet visited the affected areas, despite repeated appeals from residents. While acknowledging the efforts of the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, who managed to reach the region and initiate some urgent actions, the memorandum outlines a series of demands from the local community that require immediate government attention.
These include the installation of rope spans and bridges to reconnect the region, restoration of electricity, water and ration supplies before winter sets in, rebuilding of schools and health facilities, and the repair of all damaged roads and pedestrian paths. The memorandum also calls for immediate removal of flood debris and boulders from village areas and farmlands, along with the identification of new, safe locations for rehabilitation, as a large portion of Surah village has been deemed uninhabitable. The groups have urged the deployment of technical experts from various departments to assess the damage and provide guidance on safe reconstruction practices. They have also demanded accurate assessment of losses, swift compensation, waiver of farm loans, and a year’s fee exemption for students from affected families.
An unusual concern raised in the memorandum involves two cows that have been trapped for over a month in a cowshed perched on a slope above Surah village. Despite the administration being informed, no rescue has been attempted. Locals continue to risk their lives to deliver fodder to the stranded animals. The civil society groups have appealed to the government to act promptly and comprehensively, stating that without urgent intervention, the survival and dignity of affected villagers remain under serious threat.
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