Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu allocated Rs. 50 crore to PWD to procure machinery for clearing the roads in apple growing areas before the season begins.
In a meeting he chaired here today Sukhu reviewed ongoing restoration works following the flash floods and heavy rains that have wreaked havoc in various parts of the state.
CM also emphasized exploring alternative routes to ensure the timely delivery of apple produce from these areas.
Chief Minister instructed the authorities to keep major roads such as Theog-Rampur, Theog-Hatkoti, Rampur-Kinnaur, Chhaila-Neripul, and Oddi Rampur via Kotgarh fully functional.
Adequate deployment of personnel and machinery will be ensured for the smooth passage of vehicles during this critical period.
CM Sukhu stated apple yield is expected to be around 2 crore boxes this season, a decrease compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, he assured that there will be no shortage of funds for repairing and restoring the roads.
PWD has been directed to commence restoration work immediately.
To monitor the condition of these roads, the Superintending Engineer of PWD will act as the nodal officer, providing daily updates on their status to the Principal Secretary of PWD.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister emphasized the deployment of an adequate number of police personnel at key locations to ensure smooth traffic flow during the apple season.
CM Sukhu personally contacted the district administrations of Mandi, Kullu, Solan, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Sirmaur to assess the progress of ongoing restoration works.
He also announced the successful rescue of four tourists in Bharmour and the imminent reopening of two lanes on the Parwanoo-Shimla National Highway to facilitate commuters.
In the wake of heavy landslides, 50 houses were evacuated in Solan district's Shamti area. The Chief Minister instructed immediate relief of Rs. 1 lakh to be provided to each affected family. Efforts are underway to clear the roads to Tirthan Valley at the earliest, with the Sainj road already accessible for vehicles.
Forest Department has been tasked with assessing the extent of tree damage caused by the torrential rains.
A report on the matter is expected to be submitted promptly to the government.
Water availability in Shimla town was also reviewed during the meeting, with the Chief Minister directing authorities to ensure a consistent water supply to residents.
As weather conditions improve, the functioning of lift water supply schemes is also expected to improve. The CM disclosed that on July 13th, 26.63 MLD (million liters per day) of water was lifted, while on July 14th, 32.27 MLD of water was lifted and distributed to consumers.
A comprehensive plan detailing water supply schemes, storage tanks, cleanliness status, and responsible officers must be submitted within 15 days.
CM announced plans to construct a dam on Ashwani Khad at Junga for water lifting, with the design to be prepared by the Power Corporation.
Meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Ashish Butail, Mohan Brakta, Sanjay Awasthy, Mayor Shimla Municipal Corporation Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Bharat Khera, and other senior officers.
