Belated trek to disaster-hit Rajban: Leaders Finally arrive after two weeks of devastation

Mandi: In the remote village of Rajban, within the Drang assembly of Mandi district, the scars of a devastating cloudburst that struck on the midnight of July 31 are still fresh. The disaster claimed nine lives, injured two others, and left 30-year-old Hardev missing. The village has been grappling with the aftermath, waiting for help that seemed to take an eternity to arrive.*

Two Weeks Too Late

Better late than never—after two weeks of silence and growing media scrutiny, the state’s political leaders have finally directed their attention to Rajban. This long-overdue visit follows mounting criticism over the absence of top political figures during a disaster that has left the local population in despair.

Despite the continuous efforts of the administration, no major political leader had ventured to the affected area or offered any support until yesterday evening. It was only after the road, ravaged by the floods, was partially repaired that vehicles could reach Rajban. Before that, the only way to access the village was by trekking 5-6 kilometers on foot, a task that seemed to deter many.

Opposition Leader Jairam Thakur Reaches Out

The first to make the journey was Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur. Accompanied by four MLAs—Anil Sharma (Mandi), Inder Singh Gandhi (Balh), Prakash Rana (Jogindernagar), and Purn Chand Thakur (Drang)—Thakur arrived in Rajban around 4:30 PM. His visit marked the first time a senior political leader had set foot in the disaster-stricken village since the tragedy occurred.

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During his visit, Jairam Thakur assured the residents that the central government would extend all possible assistance for disaster relief and rehabilitation. He urged the district administration and the state government to take immediate and effective steps to support the affected families. Thakur also distributed relief materials, including rations, kitchen supplies, and bedding, to the victims. On his way back, he assessed the damage in Thalthukhot and met with other affected residents.

Vikramaditya Singh Follows, But Questions Remain

Following Jairam Thakur’s visit, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh is scheduled to visit Rajban today. Known for his vocal stance on various issues, Singh has faced criticism for taking two weeks to make the journey to the disaster site. Although the minister passed through Mandi a few days ago, he did not visit Rajban, likely due to the necessity of traveling on foot—a challenge that not every politician seems willing to take on.

Chief Minister’s Silence

The absence of Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has also raised eyebrows. Despite the magnitude of the disaster, the Chief Minister has yet to visit the flood-affected people of Mandi. Mandi, a known stronghold of the Leader of the Opposition, appears to have been overlooked by the Chief Minister, a slight that has not gone unnoticed by the local population.

Kangana Ranaut’s Priorities Questioned

Even Kangana Ranaut, the MP from Mandi, has managed to bypass Rajban, despite visiting flood victims in Shimla. Her visit made headlines with statements about central government aid, but she has yet to find time for Mandi. The people of Rajban, still awaiting her arrival, feel abandoned by their representative.

Local Leader’s Absence

Adding to the list of absentees is Thakur Kaul Singh, a six-time MLA from Drang and a former minister. Singh has not visited the disaster site, citing his wife’s illness as the reason for his absence. However, for the people of Rajban, this excuse rings hollow.

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A Journey Too Late

As of August 13, the six-kilometer journey to Rajban had deterred most leaders, with only the local MLA Purn Chand Thakur and APMC Mandi Chairman Sanjeev Guleri making the trek to the area. Now, with two prominent leaders and their followers arriving within two days, their visits seem too little, too late. The tears of the affected people have already dried up.

The victims feel deeply disappointed by the state’s top leaders, who they believe have disrespected their pain by failing to offer timely support and solidarity.