In a compassionate outreach following the recent landslides and flash floods, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited disaster-hit areas of Mandi district on Tuesday to meet affected families, review relief operations, and assure them of comprehensive support for rehabilitation and rebuilding their lives.
Flash Floods and Landslides Wreak Havoc in Mandi
Over the past week, incessant heavy rains triggered:
- Massive landslides in Seraj, Sadar, and Balh subdivisions.
- Flash floods damaging roads, bridges, schools, and agricultural lands.
- Collapse of over 120 houses, leaving families homeless in remote villages.
- Disruption of water supply pipelines and electricity lines in multiple panchayats.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Mandi is among the worst-affected districts in this monsoon spell, with estimated losses crossing ₹200 crore.
CM Sukhu’s Day-Long Visit: Key Highlights
Accompanied by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and local MLAs, the Chief Minister visited villages in:
- Thunag block of Seraj
- Baggi and Kataula areas of Sadar
- Rewalsar region, where flash floods inundated farmlands and damaged temples
He interacted directly with affected families, expressing solidarity and stating:
“The government stands firmly with you in this hour of crisis. Immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation are our priorities. We will rebuild damaged houses under Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana and provide livelihood support.”
Financial Assistance Announced
During his visit, CM Sukhu announced:
- Immediate relief compensation of ₹1 lakh each to families whose houses are fully damaged.
- ₹5,000 interim assistance for partial damages.
- Special funds for restoration of drinking water and electricity in cut-off villages within 48 hours.
- Directives to Public Works Department (PWD) to clear blocked roads for reconnecting remote panchayats.
- Orders to district officials to prepare proposals for permanent slope stabilisation and river embankment works to prevent future disasters.
Impact on Livelihoods and Agriculture
Mandi district’s agrarian economy has suffered heavy losses:
| Crop | Estimated Area Damaged | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Maize | 1,200 hectares | Crop buried under debris, no harvest possible |
| Vegetables | 600 hectares | Destruction of standing crops, affecting market supply |
| Apple orchards | 150 hectares | Landslides uprooted trees, causing multi-year income loss |
Farmers’ groups urged the CM for special compensation packages and subsidy support to revive agricultural operations before the rabi season.
Education Disrupted in Affected Villages
Over 25 government schools remain closed due to:
- Inaccessibility following road damages.
- Structural damages to classrooms, especially in Seraj valley.
CM Sukhu directed the Education Department to arrange temporary learning spaces and alternative schooling plans to ensure children’s education is not hampered.
Disaster Response Operations Reviewed
The Chief Minister chaired a meeting with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) in Mandi town, reviewing:
- Status of NDRF and SDRF deployment.
- Relief camp arrangements with food, drinking water, and medical care.
- Progress on restoration of NH-154 and key link roads vital for supply chains.
He lauded rescue teams for swift evacuations during landslides and emphasised:
“Speedy road clearance, power restoration, and psychosocial support for traumatised families must continue as top priorities.”
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Resilience Plan
The Himachal government is preparing a comprehensive disaster mitigation plan for Mandi and other vulnerable districts, focusing on:
- Slope mapping and stabilisation projects to minimise landslide risks.
- Construction of climate-resilient roads, bridges, and public infrastructure.
- Integration of early warning systems and community disaster preparedness through Panchayati Raj Institutions.
- Collaboration with national and international agencies for technical and financial support in long-term resilience building.
Opposition’s Reaction
The Opposition BJP welcomed CM Sukhu’s ground visit but urged:
- Speedy disbursement of relief funds announced earlier during the Kullu floods.
- Transparency in beneficiary identification to avoid corruption and delays.
- Declaring Mandi as a “disaster-affected district” for special central packages.
Former CM Jai Ram Thakur, who hails from Seraj in Mandi, said:
“The state government must ensure that affected families receive timely help without bureaucratic delays.”
Civil Society Calls for Ecologically Sensitive Development
Environmental activists and experts have cautioned that:
- Haphazard road construction, slope cutting, and deforestation have worsened landslide risks.
- River encroachments and unscientific embankments are aggravating flash flood impacts.
Dr. Surbhi Sharma, Disaster Risk Reduction researcher, stated:
“Post-disaster rebuilding must incorporate ecological restoration and resilient planning to prevent repeat tragedies.”
Impact on Tourism
Mandi, known as the gateway to Kullu-Manali, has seen major tourist cancellations due to damaged highways and landslide fears. Local hotel associations urged the government to:
- Restore connectivity swiftly.
- Promote tourism safety campaigns once roads are cleared.
Voices from the Ground
Meena Devi from Baggi village, whose house was completely washed away, said:
“The CM’s visit gave us hope. We are living in tents, and rebuilding before the winter sets in is crucial for our survival.”
Central Government Support
The Himachal Pradesh government has submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking ₹1,000 crore as immediate relief for state-wide monsoon damages. The central team is expected to visit Mandi and other districts next week for assessment.
Conclusion
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Mandi underscores the state government’s commitment to humanitarian response, rapid rehabilitation, and long-term resilience building. As Himachal Pradesh faces intensifying climate-induced disasters, prioritising ecological sustainability, robust infrastructure, and community-centric development remains critical for the hill state’s future safety and prosperity.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements, on-ground updates from district authorities, and interviews with affected residents. Readers are advised to follow government advisories for updates on relief distribution, road conditions, and rehabilitation schedules in Mandi district.
