Yog Raj Sharma
Shimla, September 8
The North News
Torrential rains have left Himachal Pradesh reeling, with more than 1,250 roads blocked across the state, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Sunday. He acknowledged that damage from this year’s disaster has been severe, with the Public Works Department (PWD) alone suffering estimated losses of ₹2,500 crore. He said the department had so far received ₹1,499 crore in assistance.
The minister said efforts were under way to restore connectivity as rainfall has subsided. However, he warned officials against negligence in new road projects, particularly violations of the Forest Conservation Act. “If any lapse is found, strict action will be taken,” he said.
He also directed senior officials to curb illegal dumping in rivers and streams, calling for immediate enforcement of a total ban. On the Dhalli–Rampur four-lane project, he said the government would push for tunnel-based construction to reduce tree felling and mountain cutting.
The minister expressed concern over the impact of development on Himachal’s temples and pilgrimage sites, describing them as “Dev Bhoomi” (land of gods). He said unchecked waste from religious sites was polluting sacred spaces and called for discussions with the Chief Minister to limit visitor numbers. “Development is necessary, but we must decide whether it should be sustainable or destructive,” he said.
On the planned unveiling of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s statue at Shimla’s Ridge, he said the event—originally scheduled for this month—had been postponed due to the disaster, and would now take place in October.
