Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 9
Himachal Pradesh has suffered losses exceeding Rs 1,000 crore due to heavy rains and flooding, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said on Wednesday. He confirmed that at least 20 people have died and 28 others remain missing in Mandi district alone. The extreme weather has severely disrupted life across the state, with over 200 roads blocked, 217 power transformers damaged, and 143 drinking water schemes out of operation. Negi also reported that more than 1,200 homes have been either partially or completely damaged due to landslides and flash floods.
Negi accused the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of staging political drama amid the disaster, claiming its leaders were visiting flood-affected areas “in designer suits” while offering no substantial help. He took a direct swipe at former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur, saying it took him eight days just to reach the disaster-hit Janjehli region.
Turning his criticism toward actor and newly elected MP Kangana Ranaut, Negi said: “It is one thing to play the Rani of Jhansi in reel life, and quite another to act like her in real life.” He pointed out that while Ranaut talks about policymaking, she remained silent in Parliament on demands to amend India’s disaster relief manual — a key ask for hill states facing frequent climate-induced devastation.
Despite the scale of the damage, the minister asserted that relief and rescue operations are ongoing at a war footing. Roads that had been completely cut off by landslides and flooding — including key routes between Janjehli and Karsog — have now been cleared to facilitate rescue efforts. Several stranded tourists have also been evacuated.
The situation remains precarious in multiple districts, with landslides continuing to disrupt connectivity and communications. Negi called for a coordinated response and more central support, while also urging public representatives to focus on solutions rather than rhetoric.
