Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 29
In the wake of a fresh cloudburst that killed three people in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday announced that the state government will soon implement a permanent disaster management policy. The late-night cloudburst triggered widespread devastation, with rescue teams racing against time to find survivors feared trapped under rubble. While three deaths have been confirmed, officials believe others may still be missing.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, CM Sukhu directed the Mandi District Collector to extend immediate assistance to affected families and accelerate relief efforts. “Saving human lives is our foremost priority,” he said.
As part of the forthcoming policy, the Chief Minister said no government buildings would be allowed within 100 to 150 metres of rivers and streams. The decision aims to minimise future loss of life and property from such recurring natural calamities in the state. The administration is now focusing on rapid response mechanisms and long-term preventive measures, Sukhu added.
