Shimla, August 20
In a report just coming in, the NH 5 from Shimla to Chandigarh has been blocked due to a landslide between Shoghi and Taradevi in the outskirts of this capital city. A spokesperson from the administration informed us that traffic had been diverted via Shoghi- M<ehli bye pass as rocks continued to fall.
Meanwhile, taking stock of the acute rain situation, Chief Secretary R D Dhiman stated today that unprecedented rain caused 34 incidents of landslide, flash floods and cloudbursts across the State during the last 24 hours, taking 16 human lives and 08 persons reported missing at Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts. These districts are the worst affected districts where maximum damage has been reported.
Convening a review meeting to assess the situation caused by heavy rainfall in the State today at CS Committee Room, CS said that 742 roads had been closed and 2000 distribution transformers and 172 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the State as reported by the Districts.
Chief Engineer HPPWD apprised that a total of 742 roads were closed in the State due to unprecedented rainfall, out of which 407 roads will be restored today, and 268 roads will be cleared tomorrow.
Chief Secretary directed the concerned department to ensure that the machinery is deployed and all the roads are cleared at the earliest so that there is no disruption in the providing basic amenities in the affected areas. The Chief Secretary also directed that the concerned Deputy Commissioner would ensure the videography of the damage caused by heavy rainfall and provide shelter to the affected people.
Chief Secretary further directed that all the Deputy Commissioner ensure that basic amenities like bedding and ration be provided on a priority basis to the people affected by the disaster and to record their statements.
Around 2000, DTRs were disrupted by unprecedented incidents of landslides and flash floods. Out of these, the electricity supply in 1500 DTRS will be restored today, and efforts are being made to ensure 100 per cent electricity supply by tomorrow. Chief Secretary directed the officers of HPSEB to ensure restoration of 100 p c electricity supply at the earliest.
Principal Secretary, Revenue apprised that Rs 232.31 Crores has been released to the districts from SDRF, and sufficient funds are available with all the districts to carry out the relief and rehabilitation works. A total of 172 Water Supply Schemes were affected by the landslide and flash floods, and supply in 39 schemes will be restored tomorrow. Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrate to ensure that local resources of water are treated with bleaching and disinfectants so that people could use these resources for domestic purposes and at the same time, water-borne diseases can also be prevented.
Chief Secretary further directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure water supply through tankers in relief camps and areas where no water resources are available locally. Chief Secretary directed that the Department of Energy will issue necessary directions to Pong Dam and Chamera Dam and other dam authorities to check the reservoirs’ water level and to issue timely warnings in case of any eventuality.
Chief Secretary directed the Department of Tourism to issue advisory to the tourists regarding visits to the State during the monsoon season. Further directions were given to all the districts to close the educational institutions in the areas affected by landslides and flash floods and to install camps in schools and community centres to provide temporary shelter to the affected people.
