"Cloudburst-like situation": Himachal CM Sukhu on heavy rains in Mandi

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 29(ANI): The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Tuesday said that torrential rains wreaked havoc in Mandi district last night, particularly hitting the Jail Road area where two people were killed earlier and more are missing, buried in debris.
Speaking to reporters in Shimla, the Chief Minister termed the event as a possible "cloudburst-like" disaster and assured that immediate rescue and relief measures were underway.
"Heavy rain lashed Mandi last night, causing severe damage to the Jail Road area. Two deaths have been reported. Given the scale of the disaster, I can say it resembles a cloudburst-like situation," said Sukhu.
He added that multiple agencies had been mobilised swiftly. "We are closely monitoring the situation. The Deputy Commissioner, NDRF, and SDRF teams have been directed to take immediate action. Rescue operations to evacuate those trapped in Mandi have been initiated since morning," CM Sukhu added.
Sukhu stated that disaster response was the top priority at the moment, and a detailed review had already been conducted.
"A detailed discussion on the disaster was held during the cabinet meeting yesterday. We are going to form two major committees to address this," CM said.
He said that the state government has decided to change the construction norms to change near Rivers. Referring to the common practice of constructing government buildings close to riverbanks, CM Sukhu expressed strong disapproval and announced new policy decisions.
Himachal CM added, "We have observed that several government institutions are constructed along riverbanks, and crores of rupees are spent on site development. Now it has been decided that no government building will be constructed within 100 to 150 metres of rivers."
"Where the soil is soft, a structural study will be conducted, and a dedicated committee will be formed for this," he continued.
A separate committee will also examine the settlements of people who have been living near rivers for generations.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is giving utmost priority to life-saving efforts. "Our priority is to save lives. Those who are trapped or buried under debris must be rescued first. In such matters, our government never holds back," he added.
He acknowledged the heavy damage caused to state infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply systems.
"The heavy rains last night have caused significant damage to government property, electricity and water schemes, and PWD roads. We are keeping a close watch on the overall situation," CM Sukhu said.
The CM Sukhu also welcomed the Supreme Court's stay order on the felling of apple trees in rural areas of Shimla's green belts following a petition by environmentalist Tikender Panwar.
Himachal CM asserted, "The stay granted by the Supreme Court is a very good decision. We had also filed a petition in the High Court urging that fruit-bearing trees should not be cut, especially during the apple season. Our Advocate General Deepender Kumar also made the same request before the court."
He said the government has proposed that trees grown on private lands be compensated for by the state, while trees in forest lines should not be cut at all.
"We want the government to compensate for trees nurtured by individuals, while those in forest zones must not be felled," he added.
The Chief Minister further noted that the Supreme Court upheld the state's stance on protecting Shimla's green belt from unregulated construction.
CM Sukhu continued, "If we are to save Himachal and the mountains, then construction in green belts is not acceptable. The Supreme Court has upheld our argument in this matter."
He added by stressing the commitment of his government to environmental protection and citizen safety amid increasing climatic disruptions. (ANI)