Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, September 24
Himachal Pradesh is still reeling from the impact of heavy rains, with normal life yet to return to track. Although the weather has returned to normal, two national highways and 320 other roads are still blocked, while 46 transformers and 69 water supply schemes remain out of service. According to official figures, 454 people have lost their lives so far, 498 have been injured and 50 remain missing. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said in Shimla that the apple season continues, with 1.9 crore boxes reaching markets and 60,000 metric tonnes purchased through the HPMC. Responding to opposition allegations that apples were stuck in transit, he said the difficulties in Lahaul-Spiti were due to a road closure at the North Portal under the Border Roads Organisation’s jurisdiction, not the state government’s handling.
Negi also dismissed the BJP’s campaign on GST reforms as “misleading,” alleging that the Centre had burdened people for 11 years in the name of tax and only rolled it back ahead of elections. He further criticised the government for not reducing fuel prices despite lower crude oil costs, accusing it of “exploiting” citizens.
