Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 27
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the public and tourists to stay away from rivers and streams after multiple cloudbursts in the state triggered devastating flash floods, leaving at least three people dead and several others missing. The cloudbursts occurred in Kullu and Dharamshala on Wednesday, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and prompting an extensive search and rescue effort.
“So far, three bodies have been recovered in Dharamshala, and five people are still missing,” Sukhu told reporters in Shimla. “A search operation is underway.” The extreme weather also trapped around 40 individuals, of whom 31 have been safely rescued, officials said. Two national highways and around 15 homes have been severely damaged, and two hydropower projects, including the Sainj project of the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation, have reported significant losses. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Sukhu issued a special monsoon advisory, urging tourists not to venture near water bodies or take part in adventure activities during this dangerous period. “Water levels rise suddenly during rains, making it extremely dangerous. Please do not risk your lives,” he said. However, he reassured that other regions of the state remain safe for tourism.
Speaking later at an event in Shimla to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister announced that drug awareness will be introduced in school curricula across the state, calling it a proactive step to educate children on the harmful effects of substance abuse.
“Fighting drugs must go beyond words—it must become part of our education system,” Sukhu said, adding that government employees found involved in drug activity will face strict legal action. He highlighted that Himachal Pradesh has already implemented a strong anti-narcotics law.
Sukhu also used the platform to criticise previous BJP-led state governments, accusing them of allowing the quality of education to decline. “Himachal’s ranking in education had slipped to 21st, and we have brought it back to 5th,” he said, citing reforms that included the closure of under-enrolled schools and reallocation of staff to improve learning outcomes. “Earlier governments were afraid to close even non-functional schools. We have rationalised them—and results are now visible.”
Touching on centre-state relations, the Chief Minister said the federal structure must not be used for political credit. “Projects coming from the central government must not be stalled. The BJP should focus less on credit and more on cooperation,” Sukhu said, taking aim at former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.
“If the BJP succeeds in securing a ₹10,000 crore special disaster relief package for Himachal, we will thank them publicly,” Sukhu said.
