Himachal Pradesh Officials Assess Flood Damage as Kangana Ranaut Plans Visit

Government Officials Evaluate Flood Impact

Munish Sood

Mandi: In Himachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh toured various areas in Mandi district that were severely affected by flooding to evaluate the damage and the ongoing relief efforts.

In the meantime, Kangana Ranaut, the BJP MP from Mandi and a well-known Bollywood actress, faced criticism on social media for her delayed response to the disaster but has now announced her intention to visit the affected areas.

Agnihotri Promises Support and Visits Relief Camps

Deputy CM Agnihotri examined the damaged roads in the Seraj region, particularly in Bakhli and Kuklah villages, and reviewed the drinking water supply initiatives. He also visited a relief camp and interacted with residents seeking shelter there.

While in Saroa, he reassured the families affected by the floods that the state government would provide all necessary assistance.

Vikramaditya Offers Condolences to Affected Families

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh visited the Nachan area, which experienced severe damage due to a recent cloudburst. In Tilli village, he assessed the road conditions and met with the grieving families of Padam Singh, Pushp Raj, and Tilak Raj, who tragically lost their lives in the floods in Baga village. The minister expressed his condolences and assured them of government support.

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in the Seraj region, with collaboration among the state government, district administration, disaster management authority, and various voluntary organizations. On the morning of July 5, 2025, a group of 25 porters set out from Bagsyad in Manali, carrying essential supplies to reach the remote village of Thunag.

Kangana Responds to Criticism and Heads to Mandi

Facing backlash for her absence during the crisis, Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut took to X (formerly Twitter) late Friday, stating: “I am on the way to Himachal. I will visit the disaster-hit areas soon. Be assured, I stand with Himachal in every situation.”

Sources indicate that Kangana departed from Delhi and is expected to arrive in Sarkaghat by evening. Her itinerary for visiting the flood-affected areas of Dharampur, Karsog, and Seraj will be finalized upon her arrival.

Political Tensions Surround Kangana's Visit

The situation took a political turn when Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur was questioned by the media regarding Kangana’s absence. He remarked, “Those who don’t care, I don’t want to comment on them,” which led to a wave of online criticism. In response, Kangana claimed that Jai Ram had previously advised her to wait until the roads were cleared before visiting Mandi.