Ensure basic amenities to people affected by disaster: Chief Secretary

A Spokesperson of the State Government said here today that a meeting to assess the situation caused by heavy rainfall in the State on 20^th August, 2022 was held in CS Committee Room under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary R.D. Dhiman.

Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to ensure that the machinery is deployed and all the roads be cleared at the earliest so that there is no disruption in the providing basic amenities in the affected areas.

He also directed that concerned Deputy Commissioner will ensure the videography of the damage caused by heavy rainfall and to provide shelters to the affected people in the camps. He further directed all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that basic amenities like bedding and ration be provided on priority basis to the people affected by the disaster and to record their statements.

Chief Secretary directed the officers of HPSEB to ensure restoration of 100 per cent electricity supply at the earliest. Principal Secretary, Revenue apprised that Rs. 232.31 crore has been released to the districts from SDRF and sufficient funds are available with all the districts to carry out the relief and rehabilitation works.

A total number of 172 Water Supply Schemes were affected by the landslide and flash floods and supply in 39 schemes will be restored by tomorrow.

He directed the Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates to ensure that local resources of water are treated with bleaching powder and disinfectants so that people can use these resources for domestic purpose and at the same time water borne diseases can also be prevented.

He further directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure water supply through tankers in relief camps and the areas where there are no resources of water available locally. He directed that the Department of Energy will issue necessary directions to Pong Dam, Chamera Dam and other dam authorities to keep a check on the water level of the reservoirs and to issue timely warnings in case of any eventuality.

Chief Secretary directed the Department of Tourism to issue advisory to the tourists regarding visit to the State during the monsoon season. Further directions were given to all the districts to close the educational institutions in the areas affected by landslides and flash floods and to install camps in schools and communities centre to provide temporary shelter to the affected people.

Principal Secretary Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma, informed about the unprecedented loss caused by heavy rainfall during last 24 hours in the State. Total 34 incidents of landslide, flash floods and cloud burst have taken place in the State during last 24 hours in which 16 human 1ives have been lost and 08 persons are reported missing. Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts are the worst affected districts where maximum damage has been reported. A total of 742 roads have been closed and 2000 DTRs, 172 water supply schemes have been disrupted in the State as reported by the Districts. Chief Engineer HPPWD apprised that total of 742 roads were closed in the State due to unprecedented rainfall, out of which 407 roads will be restored today and 268 roads will be cleared by tomorrow.

Also see – New chapter of progress and prosperity written under strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi