Mandi (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 7 : Himachal Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Monday lashed out at the Himachal Pradesh government for its delayed response to the flood disaster that has ravaged parts of the Janjheli region in Mandi district. After conducting an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas, Thakur stated that, despite eight days having passed, the state government had still failed to reach several villages, leaving residents stranded and helpless.
According to a press statement, "LoP Thakur conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-hit Janjheli area, which was inaccessible by road due to heavy damage. He took off from Raingalu helipad and landed at Khanukhli in Janjheli. From there, he travelled on foot, covering nearly 20 km, to visit affected villages including Sanwara, Riyada, Pauridhar, Pandav Shilla, Jarol, Kuthah, Dhar Jol Panchayat, Tungadhar, and Bhatkidhar."
He also met residents, assessed the damage, reviewed relief efforts, and issued necessary directions to officials.
After conducting the aerial survey, Jairam Thakur became emotional and said, "This is a very sad moment. I have spent my entire life beautifying Seraj, and today, this tragedy has devastated it. The sights I once couldn't take my eyes off are now deserted. Seeing them brings tears to my eyes and pain to my heart. Rebuilding these areas is a massive challenge."
He assured the people, "Our spirits are as high as the mountain, and our intentions are as strong as a rock. We will not lose courage; we will struggle and stand up again. He said that no matter what the situation, I stand with you with full strength. Our lives and deaths are in your hands. We will put in all our efforts to resettle Seraj."
The Himachal LoP said in a statement, "Many multi-storeyed houses have collapsed and large rocks have been swept away, but the Pandav Shila remains intact. While most areas have reported no loss of life, three people tragically died near Pandav Shila, and only one body has been recovered so far. Senior district officials visited the site for the first time today. They were instructed to set up temporary shelters at safe locations, as many residents fled their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Chief Minister should visit personally to assess the situation and extend maximum support to the affected people."
Jairam Thakur stated that even after eight days since the disaster, people are still waiting for the government's help, "In all this time, no prominent representative of the government has visited the affected areas. Residents are complaining that the government has not taken proper care of them. In the face of such a major disaster, the government must undertake large-scale preparations. However, the restoration work that should have been completed by now is still pending."
All roads in the Janjheli area remain blocked. Electricity and water supply have not yet been restored. People are struggling without access to clean drinking water, and electricity services are still unavailable. Thakur emphasized that the state government needs to expedite its efforts, as the current pace of work is inadequate. In situations like these, providing immediate relief to the affected population is crucial.
He also expressed his gratitude to the personnel of the Army, Air Force, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, Home Guard, Police, and employees from various departments, including Public Works, Jal Shakti, Electricity, and Panchayati Raj, who are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that, in addition to accelerating the relief and rescue efforts following the disaster, there is now a need to develop an effective rehabilitation plan. Because in many places, the entire village has been destroyed.
"Not only have the houses of the people been washed away, but their lands have also been affected. The entire life's earnings have been destroyed in a moment. Nothing is left. In such a situation, their rehabilitation presents a significant challenge, one that the government must overcome, " he said.
Thakur also spoke to Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and apprised him of the situation, urging him to expedite the rescue operations.
The Leader of the Opposition stated that he had spoken with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh again and apprised them of the current situation. He also expressed gratitude for sending the Army, Air Force, helicopters, ITBP and NDRF teams for quick assistance.