Shrikhand Mahadev Gives a Wake-Up Call, Ten Drones Deployed for Search Operation in Deluge-Scarred Samej and Other Locations, SDCC Set Up in Police Hdqtrs
KuldeepChauhan
Editor in Chief
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Shimla, August 2, 2024: Himachal Pradesh has deployed ten drones in the cloudburst-affected areas for search operations in the deluge-scarred Samej Khad, Malana, Kurpan, Ghanvi, and various other locations in the state. DGP has set up the 24X7 State Disaster Command and Control Centre in Police Headquaters for mitigation of disaster.
On the night of July 31, 2024, the regions surrounding the Shrikhand Mahadev peak, including the Samez, Kurpan, and Ganvi ravines, as well as the Malana Nala originating from behind the Kartik mountain, faced catastrophic destruction.
It seemed like divine intervention, with the cloudburst over Shrikhand-Kartik mountain resembling the “Rudra Rup” of Lord Shiva.
The devastation was unimaginable.
The drones have sent pictures of cloudburst’s ferocity that is beyond comprehension. The resultant flash floods cut off the two main routes to Shrikhand Mahadev, Jaon/Baghipul and Ganvi/Phancha, as if signaling that no one should reach the sacred peak, preserving its sanctity.
Drones Searching for Flood Victims
Over 50 lives were tragically lost (feared washed away) in the torrential rains and flash floods on the morning of August 1, with the village of Samej wiped out of existence.
The scientific investigating of such cloud bursts have yet to come. One view is that the reckless cutting of the fragile mountains and the trees for roads, tunnels for power projects is also a factor.
Most of the valleys were cloud bursts struck are the sharp V-shaped valleys where temperature rise in hot thermals and clouds overlooking the mountain tops result in torrential rains.
Drones show how these ferocious khads have been reduced to the taming streams flowing into the deluge scarred flood plains as if marking their "own no-men's land territory". Will we learn from this?
This disaster calls for a ban on all yatras to sacred mountain tops to save our ecology and life-giving water sources.
The annual crowds defile these holy places, turning spiritual journeys into mere personal travel tamashas, turning the scared mountains into dumpyards for filth and trash.
You find these neo-pilgrims in reels, selfies on Facebook X eating junk snacks and drinks against the Srikhand backdrop.
Tons of Trash at the feet of Srikhand Mahadev
Meanwhile DGP of Himachal Pradesh highlighted the establishment of the State Disaster Command and Control Centre (SDCC) at Police Headquarters, Shimla.
wailing Samej Women
The SDCC, supervised by IGP Admin, will enhance disaster management capabilities and operate 24x7 in four shifts until mid-September 2024.
The SDCC will include a control room with multiple communication lines, high-speed internet, and video conferencing facilities; a disaster management software system; GIS mapping; a critical resources database; and CCTV, drone surveillance, and live data analysis.
Drone Maps Search Operation in Samej
The SDCC’s operational guidelines include immediate response upon disaster alerts, continuous communication with district control centers, timely public information dissemination, and the deployment of search and rescue teams in coordination with medical services.
The DGP of Himachal Pradesh chaired a meeting on August 1, 2024, to review the procurement of communication and monitoring devices and the establishment of the SDCC at Police Headquarters, Shimla.
DGP has directed to procure five satellite phone sets with additional batteries and power banks, along with extra batteries for the already procured 31 satellite phones.
They drones with payload capabilities ranging from 1kg to 15kg will be procured, with the DIG TTR and SP SDRF determining the costs and specifications.
Drone Maps Destruction in Kurpan and Samej
A dedicated team within TTR will operate these drones, and personnel training will begin immediately.
This terrible disaster is a direct consequence of the excessive crowds during this year's Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra.
Mahadev's response to the entertainment and vulgarity in the name of the Yatra is evident. It is time for everyone to reflect and reconsider our actions towards nature and these sacred places.
Officials attending the meeting included Shri Abhishek Trivedi, IPS, ADGP Law and Order, Shri Z H Zaidi, IPS, IGP CTS,- Shri Gurdev Sharma, IPS, DIG TTR,- Shri Arijit Sen Singh Thakur, IPS, SP SDRF, Shri Narvir Singh Rathour, Additional SP TTR, Shri Kamal Kishore, DySP CTS.
May Mahadev protect everyone!
COMMENTS:
1. Wide & informative coverage.
The people are extensively polluting the environment and for this, we must be ready to face disastrous consequences- PREM PAL RANTA (Formet District and Sessions Judge).
2 There is a definite change in the rain pattern specially during monsoon past couple of years.The cloudbursts has become a common phenomenon.Coupled with climate change the reckless exploitation of nature for our selfish ends is causing untold miseries to the people in affected areas.
It appears as if nature is taking revenge for all the bad deeds of human beings.We need to have a relook at the development model for the ecologically sensitive hilly areas
Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government
In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).
This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.
However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.
CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity
Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.
"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.
Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized
Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.
“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.
Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.
“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.
Relief Amid Mounting Challenges
The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.
With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.
The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.
The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.
While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.
Opposition’s Counterattacks
The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.
The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility
Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.
“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.
With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.
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