SHIMLA – The state of Himachal Pradesh is still in a lot of trouble since the monsoon season is going on and on, damaging infrastructure and making it hard to provide basic services. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) released a report on Thursday night that said 524 roads are closed, including two national highways. This makes it hard for people to get about the hill state. The power supply has also been badly hurt, with 1,230 electricity distribution transformers not working and 416 water delivery schemes not working.
There have been a lot of deaths. The state has seen 312 deaths since the monsoon started on June 20. The SDMA’s report breaks down these deaths: 160 people died in rain-related disasters such landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, and 152 people died in traffic accidents that were made worse by bad weather.
One of the most important things for the government to do has been to save pilgrims who are going on the Manimahesh Yatra in the Chamba district every year. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said that four helicopters are in Chamba for rescue work, and more are in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti. Agnihotri said that more than 3,000 pilgrims had been saved so far and that the situation is “under control.” However, he warned that helicopter flights depend totally on good weather.
Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, met with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state agencies to plan how to fix the roads and deal with the problems that come with four-lane projects in the state. Pathania talked about the special problems that hill states had and called for a specific approach to balance growth with protecting the environment. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has also gone to Chamba to personally oversee the relief efforts. Officials are also thinking about asking the national government for more help if things don’t get better.
As the state deals with one of its worst monsoon seasons in recent years, the SDMA’s report shows that the top administrative priorities are still quickly fixing roads, power lines, and water supply schemes so that life can return to normal for people who have been affected and travelers.