State's most devastating natural disaster in 50 years: Deputy CM Agnihotri

Indora / Dharamsala, August 19, 2023: Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated that the recent natural calamity in the state is the most devastating in the past 50 years. The state has suffered a loss of over Rs 10,000 crore, with 350 lives lost and 50 people still missing. Agnihotri emphasized that the state government has urged the central government to declare this tragedy a national disaster.

Furthermore, Agnihotri revealed that the Jal Shakti Department has incurred a loss of more than Rs 2000 crore due to the heavy rainfall in the state, as per the initial estimate. He shared this information after assessing the damage in the flood-affected areas of Indora and Fatehpur assembly constituencies in Kangra district on Saturday.

Agnihotri highlighted that the people of Indora and Fatehpur, particularly in the Mand area of Kangra district, have been severely affected by the rising water levels caused by the floods in the Beas river. He informed that 27 panchayats in the Indora and Fatehpur region have been impacted, with 22 panchayats suffering the most damage, primarily due to the flood in the downstream area of the Pong reservoir.

According to the preliminary estimate, the Public Works Department has incurred a loss of Rs 54 crore, the Jal Shakti Department Rs 31 crore, and the Electricity Department Rs 4 crore in these areas. Agnihotri noted that most of the affected areas are still submerged, making it challenging to assess the extent of the damage. However, efforts are being made on a priority basis to address the situation.

Agnihotri also pointed out that Illegal mining has emerged as a major cause behind the devastating floods in the region. This unlawful activity has led to the deterioration of river banks, diverting the water flow towards villages and fields. Consequently, the area has suffered significant damage. In order to prevent such incidents in the future, the issue of phased channelization of the Beas River has been raised with the Central Government, and will be pursued further.

Minister directed the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, and Electricity Board officers to expedite their efforts. In areas where power supply has not yet been restored, the officers were instructed to ensure electricity through the use of generators.

The speaker commended the swift response and diligent work of MLAs Malendra Rajan and Bhavani Pathania, as well as the administration and all departments involved in relief and rehabilitation efforts. These individuals have tirelessly served the affected population day and night, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their fellow citizens.

Present at the event were MLA Bhavani Pathania, Malendra Rajan, Superintendent of Police Ashok Ratan, Police District Noorpur, Additional District Magistrate Rohit Rathod, SDM Indora Dr. Surendra Thakur, SDM Fatehpur Vishrut Bharti, Chief Engineer of Jal Shakti Department Suresh Mahajan, Superintending Engineer Vikas Bakshi, Lok Superintending Engineer of Construction Mahindra Dhiman, DSP Vishal Verma, and officers from various other departments, along with Congress officials.