Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review the state’s monsoon preparedness. The meeting included senior officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti, Electricity Board, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Revenue Department, and other agencies concerned.
The minister assessed the current situation and district-level readiness, issuing key directions to strengthen the response mechanism in case of adverse weather conditions.
Officials reported that heavy rainfall has already been recorded in Kangra and Mandi districts, where machinery and emergency teams are fully deployed. Restoration work is underway on 234 roads affected by landslides and rain, with most expected to reopen by this evening. All national highways remain open as of now.
The HP Electricity Board reported disruptions to 968 transformers due to weather-related damage; restoration work is ongoing. Similarly, 23 drinking water schemes under the Jal Shakti Department have been impacted, and efforts are being made to restore them swiftly to reduce public inconvenience.
A flash flood was reported in Sarpara (Rampur), but fortunately, no loss of life occurred.
Minister Negi instructed the State Disaster Management Authority to remain on high alert and ensure swift response to any incident. Special attention was drawn to the large dams in Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra, with Deputy Commissioners directed to monitor them closely. He emphasised that any violation of safety norms must be strictly dealt with under the Dam Safety Act and the Disaster Management Act.
He also urged tourists and residents to follow weather advisories carefully and avoid going near rivers and streams during the monsoon season. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been directed to remain vigilant.
The minister noted that budget provisions have already been made for the SDRF, and stressed the importance of ensuring full preparedness and equipment deployment.
Key officials present at the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Kamlesh Kumar Pant, Director and Special Secretary (Disaster Management) D.C. Rana, SP SDRF Arjit Sen Thakur, Additional Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Nishant Thakur, Chief Engineer (PWD) Narender Pal Singh, and Chief Engineer (Jal Shakti) Anju Sharma.
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