The North News
Shimla, July 11
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced plans to visit Delhi shortly to meet Union ministers for a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh. The CM Sukhu also directed state departments to fast-track the restoration of roads, water pipelines, and electricity infrastructure to bring urgent relief to affected residents. In a rare display of political unity, Sukhu met with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur at the Thunag Rest House on Thursday evening to assess the extensive damage and ongoing relief work in the rain-ravaged Seraj region. The area has been severely affected by torrential rains and cloudbursts in recent weeks, triggering landslides, road blockages, and infrastructure collapse.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for all damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water supply systems, and power lines. Particular attention was given to the 56-kilometre Chail Chowk-Janjheli road, which Sukhu proposed for funding under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), directing that its DPR be finalised within a week.
Sukhu urged officials to work closely with the opposition to ensure that key schemes are prioritised and coordinated across departments. While acknowledging the scale of the disaster, he noted that 60% of drinking water supply schemes had been temporarily restored. To address isolated communities, he instructed the Public Works Department to accelerate the construction of bailey and suspension bridges, with funding to be provided by the state.
Resettlement emerged as a critical focus of the meeting. Jai Ram Thakur raised concerns over the displacement of families due to cloudbursts, emphasising the urgency of finding shelter before winter sets in. In response, Sukhu directed the Mandi Deputy Commissioner to identify safe zones for temporary resettlement and begin installing prefabricated structures to house affected families.
The Chief Minister also ordered a damage assessment for the horticulture sector, a key pillar of the local economy. Several Congress leaders and former ministers were present during the meeting, reflecting broad-based political engagement in disaster response.
The cooperation between ruling and opposition leadership has offered a glimmer of hope for the thousands affected in the Seraj region—though the scale of rehabilitation required remains daunting.
