Shimla:
Heavy snowfall has engulfed large parts of Himachal Pradesh, including the capital Shimla and several other districts, severely disrupting normal life across the state. With roads blocked, power and water supply affected, and people struggling to cope with the harsh conditions, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday issued comprehensive and time-bound directives to ensure early restoration of normalcy.
Chairing a high-level review, the Chief Minister instructed officers and field staff of all concerned departments to work on a war footing in areas impacted by snowfall. He emphasized that clearing of roads, particularly those leading to hospitals, health centres and other emergency service institutions, must be treated as the top priority to ensure that medical services remain accessible to the public.
To reduce inconvenience to residents, the Chief Minister directed the deployment of sufficient manpower and heavy machinery for the speedy reopening of snow-blocked roads. He stressed that no delay would be tolerated in restoring connectivity, especially in urban centres like Shimla and in remote snow-bound regions where daily life has come to a near halt.
Sh. Sukhu also ordered the immediate restoration of disrupted power and drinking water supply schemes, acknowledging that prolonged outages have added to the hardships of people already battling extreme cold. He asked all district administrations to remain on high alert, closely monitor the situation and extend prompt assistance to anyone in distress.
Recognizing the risk of shortages in isolated areas, the Chief Minister directed the Department of Food and Civil Supplies and the State Civil Supplies Corporation to ensure the uninterrupted availability of foodgrains and other essential commodities in snow-affected regions. He underlined that supply chains must be kept functional so that residents do not face scarcity during the severe weather conditions.
The Chief Minister further instructed all departments to strictly follow and actively implement the safety guidelines issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, stressing that preparedness and coordination are crucial during such weather emergencies.
While acknowledging the immediate challenges faced by the public, Sh. Sukhu noted that the rain and snowfall have brought much-needed relief to farmers and orchardists, particularly in terms of soil moisture and horticultural prospects. He said the fresh snowfall is expected to benefit apple growers and strengthen the rural economy in the long run.
Welcoming tourists to the state, the Chief Minister said that the fresh snow cover is likely to boost tourism-related activities, though safety and weather advisories must be followed strictly.
Addressing broader environmental concerns, the Chief Minister pointed to the growing impact of climate change on the state’s fragile ecosystem. He said the government has directed officials to undertake detailed studies on climate change so that appropriate environmental safeguards can be incorporated into future policies and development programmes, ensuring sustainable and balanced growth for Himachal Pradesh.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of heavy snowfall, the government has assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to restore essential services and provide relief at the earliest.
