BHARMOUR/SHIMLA, AUG 30: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday admitted that the scale of destruction this monsoon was far worse than in 2023, even though the state managed to save more lives due to “pre-emptive measures.”
After conducting an aerial survey of flood-hit Chamba and Kangra districts, Sukhu said entire Himachal had been battered by landslides, cloudbursts and incessant rains.
Roads, power, water and communication lines remain crippled.
“Rehabilitation is our biggest challenge. Families who lost homes and livelihoods will get a special relief package,” he assured.
With helicopters unable to land in Bharmour due to bad weather, the CM claimed Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi had even started trekking to reach stranded pilgrims.
Heavy machinery has been deployed to restore road links, but weather is slowing down efforts.
Thousands of Manimahesh yatris remain stuck, and the yatra stands suspended.
Sukhu took a dig at BJP, accusing its leaders of “spreading rumours” and doing “petty politics” over the suspension of the pilgrimage.
“This is Devbhoomi, faith is intact, but saving lives comes first,” he said.
The CM also demanded a central expert group to study frequent cloudbursts in Himachal, calling climate change the biggest threat.
At Chamba, he ordered the administration to prioritize reopening the Chamba–Bharmour highway, restore water and power supply, and arrange food and transport for stranded devotees.
On Friday alone, nearly 5,000 yatris were ferried from Chamba to Nurpur and Pathankot.
Additional HRTC and private buses, along with small vehicles, are being pressed into service for those from J&K.
Meanwhile, excess water released from Pong Dam has worsened flooding in Indora and Fatehpur of Kangra.
Sukhu reviewed the situation with the local administration at Pathankot Air Force Station.
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