Himachal Pradesh is reeling under the weight of a devastating monsoon season, as the rain-triggered disasters, including landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods over the past two months, claimed the lives of 367 individuals and cause widespread destruction. With no respite in sight, the state continues to grapple with blocked roads, disrupted water supply schemes, and a staggering monetary loss projected at nearly Rs 12,000 crore.
The State Emergency Operation Centre on Sunday revealed that no less than 281 roads, including the crucial National Highway 305, have been rendered impassable due to unrelenting rainfall. An additional blow to the state's infrastructure comes from 177 disrupted water supply schemes, compounding the misery faced by its residents. However, there were no fire incidents in the past 24 hours, the government data added.
The State Disaster Management Authority revealed the grim reality – 367 lives lost in rain-related incidents since the start of the monsoon season. An alarming average of seven lives per day has been claimed by the relentless forces of nature since June 24, when the monsoon first made its presence felt in the hill state.
The torrential rainfall has thrust Himachal Pradesh into a relentless cycle of calamity, with landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods rendering once-thriving communities into scenes of destruction. The scale of tragedy has left the state reeling, with both human lives and property falling victim to the unforgiving forces of nature.
While grappling with the human cost, the disaster management authorities have predicted a monumental monetary loss of nearly Rs 12,000 crore. The devastation is unprecedented, raising questions about the region's preparedness to handle such catastrophes.
Over the span of two weeks, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed significant landslides occurring in various locations, the most recent being in Kullu on Thursday.
Meanwhile, out of the total deaths as per data available with the state disaster management authority, 136 people have lost their lives due to landslides and flash floods. A total of 231 people have lost their lives due to road accidents or other reasons, the government added.
No Formal Felicitation Ceremonies until Oct 31
Meanwhile, taking a stark departure from its tradition, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced to suspend the practice of honoring dignitaries with shawls, caps, and bouquets during official events until October 31, 2023.
Already, the state government had suspended the customary guard of honor extended to the VVIPs during field visits until September 15, 2023. The Government's stance echoes its commitment to prioritize disaster management efforts over symbolic gestures; besides reflecting the state’s commitment to enact a meaningful change and foster a pragmatic approach towards governance.
The government, under Vyavstha Parivartan, has decided to halt the practice of honouring dignitaries by presenting shawls, caps, and bouquets during official events. Chief Minister Sukhu attributed the move it to the ongoing natural calamity concerns. As per these directives, no formal honouring or felicitation ceremonies will take place in government functions until October 31, 2023.
“The state government's decision not only aligns with the need to channel resources and attention towards managing natural calamities but also underscores a departure from symbolic formalities to more substantive actions in the realm of governance,” said the Chief Minister.
Himachal Pradesh’s struggle against the forces of nature continues, and as the state grapples with the devastating consequences of this monsoon season, questions arise about its ability to rebuild, recover, and mitigate such disasters in the future.
State Determined to Overcome Challenges with Policy Changes, New Laws: CM
Chief Minister Sukhu, on the sidelines of an event at Shimla’s Gaiety Theater on late Saturday evening maintained that the state would overcome its financial challenges with policy changes and new laws. “We are focusing on resource mobilization and with the cooperation of everyone, the State Government aims to make Himachal Pradesh self-sufficient in the coming four years and the most prosperous state in 10 years,” he said.
Sukhu said that the state is grappling with devastation, but brave and relentless efforts were being dedicated day and night to restore crucial roadways and other basic amenities. Temporary roads are swiftly being constructed to facilitate the transportation of agricultural and horticultural produce, minimizing financial losses for farmers, he added.
Highlighting the spirit of governance, the Chief Minister recounted an extraordinary rescue mission led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy. “The duo displayed exceptional resolve by leading the rescue operation of 300 individuals stranded at the treacherous height of 14,000 feet and in minus four-degree temperature at Chandratal lake,” he said.