Munish Sood
MANDI: Amid the ongoing natural calamity in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur reviewed the situation on the ground while maintaining direct communication with key Union ministers regarding rescue and relief efforts.
Jai Ram spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and briefed him on the extent of damage caused by flashfloods and landslides in the region. The Home Minister sought details on the latest developments, including rescue operations and relief distribution.
The former CM said that a contingent of the Army, along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, has reached the worst-hit and remote areas. The personnel are engaged in distributing food supplies and essential commodities to stranded families. He lauded the coordinated efforts of the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police and Home Guard units, saying that all teams were executing their duties with utmost dedication.
The former CM stated that search operations for missing persons are underway at multiple locations and rescue teams are working round-the-clock to evacuate people trapped in flood-affected zones. “I am personally in constant touch with NDRF Second Commandant Rajneesh, SDRF Commandant Arjit Sen and Mandi district police chief Sakshi Verma,” he said.
During a visit to the Bagsiad region earlier in the day, Jai Ram with officials from the Jal Shakti, Electricity and Public Works Departments and directed them to expedite restoration work. He also urged telecom service providers on-site to quickly restore disrupted communication services in the affected areas.
“Our current priority is to rescue those who are stranded and locate missing persons. Teams have been instructed to work in coordination and remain in continuous communication with local residents for effective response,” he said.
Jai Ram Thakur met workers operating heavy machinery amid relentless rain to reopen roads in the Harnaal Nala area, boosting their morale on the frontlines.
While en route to Thunag on foot due to road blockages, Jai Ram received a phone call from Union Minister for Urban Development and Power Manohar Lal Khattar. The two leaders discussed ways to mobilise assistance through central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) and other agencies.
Khattar expressed concern over the visuals he had seen in news broadcasts, describing them as “deeply disturbing.” He assured that the Centre and his ministry would provide all necessary support. “This tragedy has shaken us all. In this hour of crisis, the entire nation stands with the people of Himachal,” he said.
