In flashflood-hit Himachal, CM Sukhu & BJP rival Jai Ram Thakur sink differences for special cause

TNR News Network
MANDI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a review meeting on Wednesday (July 10, 2025) evening with his BJP predecessor and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur at the Thunag rest house to assess the damage and ongoing relief operations in the Seraj region, which was severely affected by recent cloudbursts and torrential rainfall.

The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to accelerate the restoration of damaged roads and ensure the swift resumption of disrupted water and electricity supply schemes to provide immediate relief to affected residents. He announced plans to visit Delhi soon to meet Union Ministers and request a special relief package for the state.

Officials told to promptly prepare DPRs for repair of projects

CM Sukhu instructed officials to promptly prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for the repair and reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges, electricity lines and water supply schemes.

He emphasised the urgent preparation of a DPR for the 56-km Chail Chowk-Janjheli road, which will be proposed for funding under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), with a deadline of one week for submission.

He further called for close coordination between government departments and the Leader of Opposition to prioritise key projects and fast-track relief and rehabilitation efforts through inter-departmental collaboration. Despite the extensive damage, he noted that nearly 60 per cent of drinking water schemes have already been temporarily restored.

The Chief Minister also instructed the Public Works Department to restore critical connectivity by constructing bailey and suspension bridges, assuring that the government will provide necessary funding for the same.

Focus on resettling families whose lost their houses

Both CM Sukhu and Jai Ram Thakur discussed the urgent need to resettle families who have lost their homes and land due to the disaster. Jai Ram Thakur emphasised the scale of destruction caused by cloudbursts and highlighted the importance of timely rehabilitation as winter approaches.

In response, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Mandi to identify safe land for the temporary relocation of affected families. He suggested the installation of prefabricated structures at these locations to provide immediate shelter. He also instructed officials to conduct a detailed assessment of losses suffered by horticulturists in the region.

Former Minister Prakash Chaudhary, along with Congress leaders Chet Ram, Jagdish Reddy, Vijay Pal Singh, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Jeevan Thakur and Naresh Chauhan, were also present during the meeting.