Monsoon destruction:Kangra suffers Rs 128 crore rain loss; 33 houses destroyed

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Dharamshala,July 29

Kangra district has suffered an estimated loss of ₹128 crore due to the ongoing monsoon rains, with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Jal Shakti Department bearing the brunt of the damage, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa said on Wednesday.

Addressing the media, Bairwa said 33 pucca houses have been completely destroyed, while 39 houses have sustained partial damage during the current spell of heavy rainfall. The district has also reported the loss of 39 livestock, with the worst-affected areas located in Boh Valley.

He said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently visited the affected region and announced a special relief package for disaster-hit families. Immediate financial assistance is being provided through Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Tehsildars wherever rain-related damage has been reported.

The Deputy Commissioner said funds are being made available, subject to availability, to the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department and the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board to restore damaged infrastructure and essential services.

Bairwa also said the district administration has issued an advisory following the India Meteorological Department’s yellow alert for the district, urging people to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas.

A medical camp has been organized at the government school relief camp in Boh Valley, where displaced families are currently staying. He said healthcare teams are monitoring the camp to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as colds, coughs, and flu, and that all necessary treatment will be provided to those in need.

The Deputy Commissioner said that, as announced by Chief Minister Sukhu during his visit, disaster-affected families who choose to stay in rented accommodation will receive ₹5,000 per month in rental assistance from the state government.

He added that a long-term rehabilitation plan for the affected families will be prepared after schools reopen on August 13. The administration has already issued ration cards to displaced families and will also provide them with LPG connections as part of the rehabilitation process.