Munish Sood
MANDI
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday visited Bali Chowki in Mandi district, one of the worst-hit areas in the recent spell of heavy rain that struck Himachal Pradesh two days ago. The sudden cloudbursts and landslides caused massive devastation in the region, sweeping away dozens of houses and leaving families homeless.
Thakur met affected residents, distributed relief material, and provided financial assistance to families who lost their homes, shops, and animal shelters. “The continuous cycle of cloudbursts, landslides, and heavy rainfall shows no sign of stopping. Almost the entire state is reeling under disaster. People are losing their homes, farmlands, orchards, and livelihoods. In such times, immediate help is crucial,” he said.
Appeal to Residents and Authorities
The Leader of Opposition urged people to remain cautious and follow weather advisories and directions issued by the local administration. “Avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, rivulets, and unsafe places until the weather improves,” he cautioned.
He also called on the administration to remain on high alert in view of the worsening weather. “We must act with extra vigilance. The safety of people must remain the first priority,” he added.
“Delay in Relief Loses Meaning”
Thakur pointed out that thousands across the state have been displaced due to the recent rains. “Families have been forced to take shelter with relatives or in rented houses. Crops and orchards have been destroyed. If relief is delayed, its importance is lost, especially for those who have no roof over their heads,” he said.
He urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to expedite assistance. “The government must provide maximum help at the earliest so that people can recover from this harsh blow of nature,” Thakur said, assuring affected families that he would raise their concerns with the government and in the Assembly.
Relief Distributed in Bali Chowki
During his visit, Thakur personally distributed over 150 blankets, mattresses, tarpaulins, ration kits, and utensils to the disaster-hit families. In addition, 48 families who had lost homes, shops, or cowsheds were given direct financial assistance.
Expressing gratitude to donors, he said, “I want to thank all generous individuals who contributed to this relief work. Their support has brought some immediate comfort to people in distress.”
Call for Long-Term Preparedness
Thakur said the recent devastation in Bali Chowki is a reminder that Himachal Pradesh needs stronger disaster preparedness. “We must study the causes and frame new policies to minimize risks and prevent loss of lives and property in the future,” he said.
For now, families in Bali Chowki remain in urgent need of shelter and support as the state battles the expanding impact of extreme weather.
