"285 roads blocked, electricity and water affected": Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Negi holds meeting as rain wreaks havoc

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], June 30 (ANI): Amid heavy rains triggering flash floods in the state, Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Monday held a special review meeting with senior officials to assess the situation arising from landslides, road blockages, and disruption of power and water supply across the state.
The Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh chaired the meeting in view of the widespread impact of monsoon-related disruptions, involving key departments, like- Jal Shakti, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Public Works Department (PWD), along with senior-level officers.
Speaking to ANI, Minister Negi said, "We had earlier conducted a state-level meeting to prepare for the monsoon season. Today, I held a special review with Revenue Department officials and other concerned departments to assess the current situation and direct immediate restoration efforts wherever needed."
"Districts like Kangra and Mandi are currently under red alert. Our preparedness in these areas is already in place. As of last evening, around 285 roads had been blocked due to landslides and slips. Our target is to reopen at least 234 of them by this evening," he added.
Negi clarified that all national highways in the state remain functional, but 968 electricity transformers (DTRs) have been affected. The HPSEB teams are working on restoring the power supply across affected areas.
"Simultaneously, around 23 drinking water schemes have also been disrupted due to heavy rains. Restoration work is ongoing, and we expect normalcy to be restored soon," he added.
The minister further said that in districts under red alert, schools have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Negi also mentioned that a flash flood was reported in Rampur's Sarpara area of Shimla district.
"Fortunately, there were no human casualties, though three cattle sheds were swept away, resulting in the loss of three animals. One family's kitchen room and storage unit were also damaged. The drinking water supply in the area remains largely unaffected, except for one scheme under repair that suffered some damage. But that too will be restored quickly," Negi assured.
He emphasised that the PWD machinery has been strengthened, with several new machines procured after last season's devastation. Moreover, both SDRF and NDRF teams have been pre-deployed at vulnerable stations.
"Our teams are on standby and can be immediately shifted to any location in case of an emergency," the minister said.
Negi appealed to tourists and local residents to adhere to advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and to plan their travel only after considering current alerts and destination conditions.
"People must remain alert and cooperate with authorities. Avoid travel to vulnerable locations during adverse weather conditions," he urged.
The Himachal Pradesh government has intensified its emergency preparedness across districts, with district-level review meetings and interdepartmental coordination underway to monitor and respond swiftly to any emerging situation. (ANI)