HP govt deploys 15,000 personnel, 1,600 machines to restore monsoon-hit roads: Himachal minister Vikramaditya Singh
Shimla, July 8
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said the state government has deployed around 15,000 personnel and 1,600 machines to restore road connectivity disrupted by heavy monsoon rains, assuring that every effort is being made to minimise inconvenience to the public.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla, the minister said the number of blocked roads had come down significantly since Tuesday following round-the-clock restoration work.
"I reviewed the situation yesterday. Around 104 roads were closed across the state yesterday, but according to the report I received this morning, the number has come down to about 60. The remaining roads have already been reopened, and we expect another 30 to 35 roads to be restored by this evening," he said
The minister said the department has mobilised extensive manpower and equipment across the state to deal with the impact of the monsoon.
"Around 15,000 personnel are deployed on the ground. We have nearly 1,600 machines, including JCBs, bulldozers and robotic equipment, stationed at different locations. We are making every possible effort to ensure that people do not face unnecessary inconvenience." He said.Referring to the challenges posed by the ongoing monsoon season, Singh said cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides could occur without warning, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, homes and orchards.
"This is the monsoon season and heavy rainfall is expected. Cloudbursts and flash floods can occur at many places, leading to landslides and damage to houses, orchards and other property. I appeal to local residents to take precautions, avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather and immediately inform the administration if any dangerous situation develops so that timely intervention can be made."
The PWD Minister assured that additional machinery has also been hired and will be deployed wherever required.
"We have hired additional machinery, and it will be deployed wherever the need arises. There will be no shortage of resources from the government's side. I especially want to reassure people living in remote and vulnerable hill districts such as Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu and Shimla that every possible assistance will be provided," he added.
Singh said he had chaired a nearly three-hour online review meeting with senior officials on Tuesday to assess the preparedness and streamline restoration efforts.
"During the review meeting with officials, we directed that all blocked roads should be reopened and restored within 24 hours wherever possible. With the apple season approaching, it is essential that road connectivity remains intact so that horticulturists and farmers do not suffer losses and transportation of produce is not disrupted," he said
The minister said the government remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity during the monsoon season while protecting the interests of residents, farmers and horticulturists across the state.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see proactive measures, but I hope this isn't just for the cameras. In my village near Mandi, roads were blocked for days last monsoon despite similar promises. The minister should ensure that remote areas get the same attention as tourist hotspots. Let's see how many of those 60 blocked roads are actually restored by evening.
🙏🏻 Finally some sensible action! Vikramaditya Singh seems to understand the ground reality. The apple season point is spot on—if roads are closed, farmers will lose crores. But I hope they've also kept emergency response teams for cloudbursts and flash floods. These mountain rains don't come with warning!
From 104 to 60 roads in a day is impressive progress, but the real test is when another cloudburst hits. For those of us who've lived through Himachal monsoons, we know a single landslide can undo all this work. The minister's appeal for people to stay cautious and inform authorities is sensible. Hope the machinery is actually well-distributed and not just sitting in depots.
Interesting to see the scale of mobilization here—15,000 personnel is equivalent to a small army. I appreciate the emphasis on 24-hour restoration deadlines, but natural events like cloudbursts require long-term resilience planning too. Still, this seems better than many other states I've seen in other monsoon seasons. Hope it holds up.
😤 Ishaan kya hai? 15,000 personnel but how many are actually on the ground vs. in offices? I'm from
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