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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the scale of destruction from this year's monsoon is significantly higher than in 2023. He conducted aerial surveys of affected areas including Bharmour and Fatehpur despite challenging weather conditions. The CM acknowledged that while pre-emptive measures reduced human casualties, infrastructure damage has been extensive across the state. The government is committed to providing special relief packages and restoring connectivity to affected communities.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Surveys Monsoon Destruction Higher Than 2023

  • CM Sukhu conducted aerial survey of disaster-hit Chamba and Kangra districts
  • Pre-emptive measures reduced human casualties compared to last year
  • Roads, electricity and communication services severely damaged statewide
  • Government deploying helicopters for evacuation of stranded people
3 min read

Scale of destruction by calamity much higher compared to 2023, says Himachal CM

Himachal CM Sukhu says 2024 monsoon destruction exceeds 2023 levels, conducts aerial surveys of Chamba and Kangra, pledges special relief for affected families.

"But the scale of destruction was much higher. - Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, Aug 30

Saying the scale of destruction by monsoon rains this time is much higher compared to 2023, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of Bharmour, Manimahesh and other disaster-affected areas of Chamba district, besides Fatehpur and Mand area of Indora in Kangra district that were hit with the excess release of water from the Pong dam.

He took off from the Pathankot air force station towards Bharmour, but due to adverse weather conditions, his helicopter could not land there, an official statement said. Later, while interacting with the media in Chamba town, the Chief Minister said that due to pre-emptive measures of the present government, loss of human lives was comparatively less than the devastation that occurred in 2023.

“But the scale of destruction was much higher. The roads, electricity and water supply, and the communication services were badly hit as in comparison to 2023. This year, the entire state has been hit by destruction due to incessant rains, landslides and cloud bursts.” He said the rehabilitation was a challenge before the government, but with the support of the people, “we will overcome it courageously. It is our responsibility to rehabilitate the families who have been rendered homeless, lost all means of livelihood and will offer a special relief package to support them.”

CM Sukhu said Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh have been reviewing the situation on the ground. “The government is committed to provide relief to the disaster-affected people and to evacuate those who are stranded midway due to the roads which were washed out in floods en route Chamba and Bharmour at various places.”

He said the Revenue Minister has proceeded to Bharmour on foot from Chamba. “This demonstrates that the present state government has adopted a humanitarian approach and is sensitively dealing with the crisis.” The Chief Minister said the government has been working vigorously to restore road connectivity.

On the evacuation of those stranded in the Bharmour area, the Chief Minister said this would depend on favourable weather, although helicopters have been deployed for this purpose. Criticising the BJP leaders, CM Sukhu said they were busy spreading rumours instead of extending support to the affected people.

He said the BJP was demanding that the ongoing monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha be adjourned. However, in 2023, they were demanding that the Vidhan Sabha session be extended.

“The decision to suspend Manimahesh yatra has been taken keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions, while some people are doing petty politics over this issue,” the Chief Minister added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Respect to the Revenue Minister who walked to Bharmour on foot! That's real dedication. Hope the stranded people get help soon. Weather conditions in hills can be so unpredictable.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the government's efforts, we need better infrastructure planning. These disasters are becoming annual events. Climate change is real and we need long-term solutions.
S
Sarah B
The suspension of Manimahesh yatra was the right decision. Safety should always come first. Politicizing such decisions is shameful when people are suffering.
Vikram M
My relatives in Chamba are without electricity for 4 days now. Communication networks down completely. Hope restoration work happens faster. Government needs to prioritize basic amenities.
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Nisha Z
Instead of blaming each other, all parties should work together during such crises. People are suffering and they need help, not political drama. 🇮🇳

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