BJP Leader Jai Ram Thakur Assesses Flood Damage in Himachal Pradesh
On-Site Review of Flood Impact
Munish Sood
MANDI: In light of the severe natural disaster affecting Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, senior BJP figure and Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, conducted an on-ground assessment while maintaining direct contact with key Union ministers regarding ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Thakur communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, providing updates on the damage inflicted by flash floods and landslides in the area. The Home Minister requested information on the latest developments, including the status of rescue missions and the distribution of relief supplies.
The former Chief Minister noted that Army units, alongside National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, have been deployed to the most affected and remote regions. These teams are actively involved in delivering food and essential supplies to families stranded by the disaster. He praised the collaborative efforts of the NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), local police, and Home Guard units, highlighting their commitment to their responsibilities.
Thakur mentioned that search operations for missing individuals are ongoing at various sites, with rescue teams working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped in flood-impacted areas. “I am in regular contact with NDRF Second Commandant Rajneesh, SDRF Commandant Arjit Sen, and Mandi district police chief Sakshi Verma,” he stated.
During his visit to the Bagsiad region earlier, Thakur met with officials from the Jal Shakti, Electricity, and Public Works Departments, urging them to accelerate restoration efforts. He also called on telecom providers present to swiftly restore disrupted communication services in the affected locales.
“Our immediate focus is on rescuing those stranded and locating missing persons. Teams have been directed to collaborate closely and maintain ongoing communication with local residents for an effective response,” he added.
Thakur also visited workers operating heavy machinery in the Harnaal Nala area, encouraging them as they worked to reopen blocked roads amid persistent rainfall.
While making his way to Thunag on foot due to road obstructions, Thakur received a call from Union Minister for Urban Development and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar. The two leaders discussed strategies to mobilize support through central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) and other organizations.
Khattar expressed his concern over the distressing images he had seen in news reports, describing them as “deeply disturbing.” He assured that the Centre and his ministry would extend all necessary assistance. “This tragedy has affected us all. In this moment of crisis, the entire nation stands in solidarity with the people of Himachal,” he remarked.