CM Sukhu orders War-Footing Relief, Evacuation of Stranded in Disaster-Hit districts
Shimla/New Delhi, Aug 29
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday directed district administrations to carry out relief and restoration works on a war footing in disaster-hit districts of Himachal Pradesh. Chairing a virtual review meeting from New Delhi with officials of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra and Mandi, the Chief Minister sought detailed reports on road blockages, loss assessment, stranded devotees and tourists, and progress of restoration works.
Reviewing the situation in Chamba, where hundreds of Manimahesh Yatris remain stranded due to heavy rains and landslides, Sukhu directed authorities to prioritize evacuation, particularly of women, children, the elderly and the ill. He instructed that air force helicopters be pressed into service for airlifting and food airdrops at inaccessible spots. “Adequate ration, vegetables and essential supplies must be stocked, while roads should be restored patch-wise with additional manpower and machinery,” he said.
It was informed in the meeting that the Chamba–Bharmour road has been opened up to 25 km, while telecom services of Jio, Airtel and BSNL have been restored in Chamba town. Devotees sheltered at Chamba Chaugan are being provided food, shelter and medical aid.
The Chief Minister directed restoration of communication services in Bharmour so that stranded people can connect with their families. He further asked Deputy Commissioners of Mandi and Kullu to ensure smooth vehicular movement through alternate routes, speedy restoration of drinking water and electricity, and restricted movement of heavy vehicles till roads are fully cleared. The Kullu–Mandi NH-03 has now been opened for small vehicles.
Taking stock of the situation in Kangra’s Bara-Bhangal, the CM ordered airdropping of food grains and essentials, while in Pong Dam areas, officials reported that the water level had receded and all relocated families were safe.
In Lahaul-Spiti, Sukhu was informed that around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu have been evacuated safely and power generation has resumed at the Thirot sub-station. He asked the administration to ensure safe evacuation of the remaining tourists through alternate routes.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena assured that he was monitoring the situation daily and coordinating with district officials for swift relief and rehabilitation.
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