Shimla: Heavy and unpredictable monsoon rain has affected the state dearly and losses from the monsoon rain has been estimated Rs. 1479 crore. In the recent rain, which caused havoc in Kullu, Kangra and Kotkhai region of the Shimla district, the state has suffered losses of Rs. 220.29 crore.
The Chief Minister, who had convened a meeting with top officers to assess the rehabilitation and rescue work, said the Centre Government has released Rs. 122 crore as the first instalment for the State for undertaking immediate rehabilitation measures.
He said the situation was being monitoring round the clock at district and State headquarters. To ensure timely evacuation five choppers of Indian Air Force had been pressed into service to evacuate the stranded tourists and local people, the Chief Minister said.
It was informed in the meeting that over one thousand people have been rescued from Lahaul valley out of these 147 have been airlifted and remaining have been evacuated by road.
The Chief Minister said that road would be cleared upto Baralacha by this evening. He said that all the rescued people were being taken for medical examinations. He said that efforts were being made to restore communication network in Lahaul valley.
Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities in the valley. He said that the team of BSNL would visit Sisu today for restoration of communication in the area. He said that the Government would provide all possible help to the BSNL in restoration work.
It was informed in the meeting that 18000 litre petrol, 27000 litre diesel were made available, and LPG and other food items were also stored in sufficient quantity. It was informed in the meeting that water Supply to Manali has been restored and Lahaul valley was also almost restored.
Monsoon rain has snapped electricity supply and Chief Minister directed to provide solar lamp till the electricity supply was restored in the valley. He said that small transformers would be airlifted from Kullu for replace damaged transformers.
