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Key Points

Himachal Education Minister Rohit Thakur held an urgent review meeting to assess extensive rain damage in Shimla district. The estimated losses have reached Rs 80 crore with 230 roads affected and three bridges damaged. Apple transportation has been severely hampered with 80,000 boxes stranded due to landslides and damaged collection centers. The minister assured horticulturists of all possible help and directed officials to complete restoration work using PDNA funds.

Key Points: Himachal Minister Rohit Thakur Reviews Rs 80 Crore Rain Damage in Shimla

  • Rs 80 crore estimated loss from Shimla rains with 230 roads affected
  • 203 roads restored already with 113 machines deployed for remaining work
  • 80,000 apple boxes stranded due to damaged collection centers and landslides
  • Minister directs use of Rs 178 crore PDNA funds for swift restoration
2 min read

Himachal Education Minister reviews damages in Shimla due to incessant rains

Himachal Education Minister assesses Rs 80 crore rain damage in Shimla, directs swift road restoration and aid for stranded apple growers facing severe losses.

"A loss of Rs 80 crore had been estimated so far due to the rains. - Rohit Thakur"

Shimla, September 3

Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Wednesday held a review meeting with senior officers of the Public Works Department (PWD) and HPMC to assess the damages caused by the recent incessant rains in Shimla district, as per a release.

Thakur said that a loss of Rs 80 crore had been estimated so far due to the rains. In Rohru circle alone, a total of 230 roads, including three major district roads and 227 village roads, were affected. Three bridges were damaged, one of which was washed away. Out of the affected roads, 203 have been restored while efforts were underway to make the remaining roads operational by September 4. For this, 113 JCBs, robots, dozers and tippers have been deployed.

The Minister further stated that traffic had been restored on National Highway (NH)- 705 while restoration work on NH-707 has been taken up on a war footing and would be made operational by September 4th.

The HPMC apprised the Minister that 31 out of 37 collection centres in Gumma and 25 out of 28 such centres in Jubbal were affected, where around 80,000 apple boxes were stranded. Due to damaged roads and frequent landslides, transportation of apple produce has been severely hampered, with several boxes buried under debris.

The Minister expressed deep concern over the hardships being faced by horticulturists and assured that every effort was being made to ensure smooth transportation of apples.

He directed the departments to expedite the restoration works and utilize the Rs 178 crore Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds in a judicious manner.

Thakur also sent instructions to officers to prepare and submit additional estimates for more funds, if required. Strict directions were given for the swift floating of tenders and completion of restoration works in a time-bound manner.

The Minister also appealed to the people to remain patient and assured them that the State Government was working on mission mode to restore normalcy. He said that he himself was monitoring the situation closely and would visit the affected areas emphasizing that the government stands firmly with the affected families and would extend all possible help.

Senior officers including Chief Engineer PWD and NH, GM HPMC and other concerned departments were present in the meeting.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
₹80 crore loss is massive! The government should also focus on building more resilient infrastructure that can withstand such heavy rains. Year after year we face the same issues in hilly areas.
A
Aman W
My uncle is an apple farmer in Rohru. They haven't been able to transport their produce for a week now. The losses are mounting daily. Hope the restoration work happens quickly 🤞
S
Sarah B
While the response seems prompt, I hope the funds are actually utilized properly this time. There have been instances where disaster funds didn't reach the actual affected people. Transparency is key!
V
Vikram M
The deployment of 113 JCBs and equipment shows serious commitment. Hope they meet the September 4th deadline. The apple industry is crucial for Himachal's economy.
N
Nisha Z
This is heartbreaking for our farmers. Apples are perishable and every day of delay means huge financial losses. Government should also consider compensation for the damaged produce.

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