Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh has issued resolute directives to intensify rescue and relief operations across the disaster-stricken regions of the state in the wake of relentless monsoon rains and widespread devastation. Chairing a high-level review on Wednesday, the Chief Minister asked district administrations to operate on a war footing, ensuring rapid restoration of essential services, including electricity, water supply, and critical road connectivity for affected communities. He lauded the tireless efforts of police, NDRF, SDRF, district officials, local NGOs, and countless volunteers working around the clock to reach stranded citizens and provide food, medical aid, and shelter. With the grim toll of 341 lives lost this season—122 landslides, 95 flash floods, and 45 cloudbursts reported—and cumulative damages now estimated at ₹3,526 crore, His leadership stressed that “there is no dearth of funds,” urging officers to ensure immediate, compassionate intervention without bureaucratic delay. In a display of personal involvement, CM Sukhu directed Chamba district authorities to evacuate pilgrims stranded on the Manimahesh Yatra route immediately, coordinating with the Indian Air Force to deploy up to six MI-17 helicopters as soon as flying conditions allow. Special attention was directed to ensure that families remain informed, pilgrims receive food, and priority is given to reopening critical roads. The administration is to work in close coordination with Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, stationed in Bharmour to oversee on-ground operations, ensuring swift and efficient rescue. The Chief Minister demanded a coordinated effort to guarantee the safe and free-of-cost return of several Kerala students stranded in Kinnaur, affirming the state’s commitment to every affected individual. The situation is especially grave in Kullu’s Banjar and Anni subdivisions, where landslides have snapped road links and isolated entire communities. Here, the CM announced that heavy earth-moving equipment is being airlifted by Air Force helicopters to accelerate road and debris clearance. In Shimla’s Chopal region, urgent restoration of the power supply remains a top priority, with the HPSEB instructed to deploy emergency resources. Recognizing both economic and humanitarian imperatives, the Chief Minister underlined the plight of apple growers, directing the Public Works Department and NHAI to give paramount importance to restoring road connectivity in the state’s vital apple belts so that farmers do not suffer avoidable losses amidst the ongoing harvest season. The past 24 hours brought fresh tragedy, with 11 deaths reported: seven in Sundernagar (Mandi district), two in Kullu, and two in Bithal (Shimla district), adding to statewide grief. The CM extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and declared the government’s steadfast support, pledging all necessary assistance and praying for strength for those who mourn lost loved ones. High officials, including HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and a cadre of top administrative and police leadership, joined the Chief Minister in Shimla, with district DCs and SPs attending virtually, reflecting the urgency and scale of this government-wide mobilization. As Himachal Pradesh stands united in the face of nature’s fury, close coordination and swift action remain the focus of the state government’s disaster response, aiming to bring rapid relief and reassurance to its citizens. This is a web generated news report.
