Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, July 8
BJP state president Rajeev Bindal has sharply criticised the Himachal Pradesh government for what he described as a lack of urgency in rehabilitating disaster-affected people in Mandi district, even eight days after devastating cloudbursts struck the region. After visiting the flood-hit areas and returning to Shimla, Bindal said the failure to restore drinking water supply and damaged roads is deeply concerning. “Even after eight days, people have no access to clean drinking water. The government’s response is sluggish and worrying,” he said while addressin press conference in Shimla.
Sharing details, he alleged that around 1,000 houses have been affected in the disaster, with 200 to 300 homes completely destroyed. “Twenty-eight people are still missing. The stench of rot is spreading, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks,” he said. He further alleged that in some areas, residents are forced to drink contaminated water due to disruption in water supply schemes. “There has been no effort for proper resettlement of the affected. Even promises made during the 2023 disaster—like allotment of land—remain unfulfilled,” he added.
Bindal questioned the government’s seriousness and urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to prioritise rehabilitation. “Even debris has not been cleared after more than a week. BJP workers are on the ground helping, but the government must step up and expedite relief work,” he said.
