Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Devastation: Over Rs 5,000 Crore Damage and 419 Lives Lost
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has been hit hard by this year’s monsoon fury. Heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides battered the state for three straight months, causing damages worth more than Rs 5,000 crore. Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, shared these shocking details during a press conference in Shimla on Thursday.
Tragically, 419 people have lost their lives so far—236 in rain-related disasters like floods and landslides, and 183 in road accidents triggered by the bad weather. "Our hearts go out to the families grieving this immense loss," Chauhan said, offering his deepest condolences.
The monsoon chaos didn’t spare infrastructure either. According to the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), power supply to 525 areas got disrupted, with Mandi district bearing the brunt—327 outages there alone. Water supply schemes faced a big hit too, with 281 schemes down across the state, including 180 in Mandi.
Homes, farms, and businesses suffered massive losses. Over 1,500 houses lie completely destroyed, while 4,580 others are partially damaged. Shockingly, more than 6,300 cowsheds and 595 shops have been wiped out. "This disaster struck Himachal everywhere, not just in one spot. Every day since June, we’ve seen new reports of destruction," Chauhan explained.
Despite the scale of the Himachal floods and landslides, the state government jumped into action. Chief Minister Sukhu ordered deputy commissioners to fix power, water, and roads fast. "Even if something breaks, we restore it within two days. Our teams have worked non-stop," Chauhan praised the efforts. Relief operations continue, with the government standing strong alongside the people.
Chauhan took a dig at Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for staying away during the crisis. "It’s sad that our elected representative isn’t with her people right now. She even said in an interview that an MP’s job needs just 60 days. Being a celebrity is one thing, but she’s failed her duties. Folks in Mandi, and even the BJP, now see that picking an actress for this role didn’t work out," he pointed out.
He urged everyone to skip politics amid the tragedy. "This calamity has touched 75 lakh lives in Himachal Pradesh. In our federal system, aid from the central government is our right. BJP leaders should join hands with the state and support the people, instead of just talking about schemes."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit brought some hope, with an announcement of Rs 1,500 crore in assistance. But Chauhan wants details: "Is this a special grant for Himachal, or just through regular schemes? We haven’t seen any notification yet. We’re hopeful the Centre will back us fully."
Chief Minister Sukhu hasn’t sat idle—he’s visited every hit district since the first big blow in Mandi on June 30. The government even rescued 15,000 pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra. They’re using state funds to restore drinking water, roads, and electricity round the clock.
In a big move, the state updated its disaster manual to boost relief. "Before, if a house collapsed, families got just Rs 1.2 lakh. Now, it’s up to Rs 7.7 lakh. We’ve hiked other compensations by nearly 200 times. This is the CM’s commitment to real help," Chauhan highlighted.
Finally, he called on the Centre to tweak the Forest Conservation Act. "Whole villages are gone in these Himachal Pradesh landslides. It’s not just about cash—it’s about rebuilding lives and rehab. The central government must step up," he concluded.
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