Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 21 : Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the State assembly, Jai Ram Thakur on Monday raised a strong alarm over the extent of devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains in the State.
He sad that rain hit across Mandi district, Seraj and the assembly segments of Karsog, Nachan, and Dharampur. He said that 30 years of development in his constituency were reduced to rubble in a matter of a few days. "The devastation is so vast that economic assessment itself will take time. What we need now is united action, not blame games," he added
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Jai Ram Thakur stated that the destruction was unprecedented, and the restoration process could take years.
"The damage is enormous. My deepest condolences are with those who lost their lives," he said. He added, "I thank Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their concern, and I will soon meet them personally to request urgent support. We need massive help because restoration will take several years. Everything I had built in my 30 years as an MLA in my constituency has been destroyed."
Thakur appealed to both the State government and social organizations for support, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in all relief efforts. "Any financial support should be transferred directly into verified beneficiaries' bank accounts through cheque. No one should hand over cash or donate to unverified persons. Relief must be honest and accountable," Thakur said.
He emphasized that the loss goes beyond human lives, affecting agriculture, horticulture, infrastructure, and public utilities.
"Where there were no streams or rivers, torrents have now formed. Hillsides have vanished. This is clearly the impact of climate change, and it must be studied seriously," he said.
Thakur welcomed the Centre's move to send a multi-sectoral assessment team to evaluate the situation.
"The announcement by the Union Home Minister to send a central team is timely and welcome. It's essential to examine why such disasters are recurring with greater intensity every year," Thakur said.
While thanking Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for his efforts, Thakur criticised the state Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, for allegedly politicising the disaster.
"It is unfortunate that the Revenue Minister is trying to take political mileage. When similar disasters occurred in Kinnaur, Sharma, and Chamba, I visited them too. But the minister didn't even discuss what help was needed," he said. "His comment that 'you only feel pain when it hits you' was extremely insensitive. Is he happy that 42 people died in one night?" Thakur asked.
"I believe the Chief Minister should ask his ministers not to make such callous remarks."
He proposed building community shelters with proper sanitation and kitchens, especially for over 500 displaced families, and called on the government to provide land for this purpose. "As we did during COVID, we can build temporary isolation wards. Why can't we do it now?" Thakur said.
On infrastructure damage, Thakur said that the restoration would need years. He said that losses in his constituency alone are estimated at over ₹1,000 crore. Over ₹500 crore damage to PWD, including 100+ bridges washed away, 1,000+ cattle dead, roads and footpaths destroyed. He said a single water supply scheme covering 29 panchayats was completely wiped out.
Thakur said that there has been a massive destruction to floriculture and farming in Bakhsaid and Thunag areas. More than 200 shops were destroyed in Thunag, with no chance of restoration. He said that entire villages like Sharan were evacuated after repeated flash floods.
"Many villages remain inaccessible. The Army and youth groups helped deliver rations where roads no longer exist. Walking paths have vanished. Winter is just two months away--what will happen to those living in shelters?" he asked.
He called for a special cabinet-approved package for affected houses and questioned why no notification has been issued yet, even after 21 days. "Is it because this is the constituency of the Leader of Opposition?" he asked. "People have given more support than the government, ten times more, in fact. Social groups, NGOs, and BJP karyakartas have helped tirelessly." Thakur added.
I urge the state to send a project-based proposal to the Centre for its restoration under special provisions," he said.
He thanked BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and the central inter-ministerial assessment team for their swift support.
"This is not just one rainy season; it's a calamity that will haunt us for decades. Restoration will take years. I will personally meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and PM and will take MPs along with me to push for maximum central assistance," he said.