Shimla/Manali- In a major relief effort, the Chandigarh-Manali Highway has been partially restored, enabling the release of 2,500 tourist vehicles from the flood-hit regions of Manali and Kullu by evening of July 11.
accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, personally supervised the evacuation and restoration process after conducting an aerial survey of the affected areas.
Following two days of incessant rainfall, the National Highway Authority of India, Himachal Pradesh PWD, and the Border Road Organisation swiftly deployed their machinery and resources to clear the highway partially and facilitate the safe movement of vehicles stranded in the tourist towns for the last two days.
The slow release of traffic began in the evening on July 11.
He told media in Kullu that 40 shops and 30 houses were washed away in Sainj in Kullu due to the surging Sainj river.
To address the immediate needs of the affected people in the Kullu district, Chief Minister announced a relief fund of Rs 1 crore.
He declared that the government has requisitioned six helicopters to rescue stranded tourists across the state, particularly in Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Manali, and other affected locations by July 12 evening, pending improved weather conditions.
Today, he interacted with children, senior citizens, and other family members who were airlifted by the Indian Air Force chopper from Chandratal Lake and had langar with them in the relief camp.
Over 1,000 cars had already departed from Manali since this afternoon, bringing a glimmer of hope to the stranded tourists. The Chief Minister personally visited Sheila Chowk in Kullu to meet with the affected tourists and assure them of their safety.
Eight persons stranded near the Giri River in Sirmaur were also evacuated by Air Force helicopter today.
The rescue team dropped packet of medicines and other items to the stranded people on other side of the Giri river in Sirmaur on July 11. 
Chief Minister said the restoration of vital services such as water, electricity, healthcare, and essential supplies would be prioritized.
The government remains committed to ensuring the well-being of all tourists and aims to facilitate their safe return to their destinations by tomorrow evening, provided the weather conditions are favorable and support the ongoing rescue efforts.
