On the second day of his visit to the disaster-affected Seraj Assembly Constituency, CM Sukhu announced a ₹7 crore relief package to expedite restoration efforts and provided key updates on the government’s response to the recent natural calamities.
During his visit to Thunag, Bagsiad, Deji, Bara, and Syanj villages, the Chief Minister assessed the damage caused by cloudbursts and assured families of comprehensive support. Of the ₹7 crore announced:
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₹2 crore each will go to the Public Works Department (PWD) and Jal Shakti Department
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₹1 crore to the Block Development Office
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₹2 crore had already been disbursed earlier for immediate relief
In Deji village, 11 people remain missing; meanwhile, six fatalities were reported from Bara and Syanj villages, and several others are still unaccounted for. CM Sukhu offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
At Pakhrar Panchayat Ghar, he listened to grievances of local residents and directed revenue officers to assess losses promptly, including residential damage, household goods, livestock, and horticultural losses, especially among apple growers.
He further instructed that unsafe or silt-filled homes be declared completely damaged, making affected families eligible for maximum compensation. The State Cabinet, he said, would soon announce a special relief package.
Importantly, the Chief Minister revealed that the state government is considering a one-time settlement policy for permanent resettlement of affected families. Since 68% of Himachal Pradesh’s land is forested, he said permission from the Central Government will be sought to use forest land for rehabilitation.
To ensure continuity of education, temporary classes for students of the Forestry and Horticulture College, Thunag, will be conducted in Sundernagar, Mandi district.
On the infrastructure front, he said major roads have been reopened and restoration of village link roads is underway at a war footing.
At Thunag Rest House, the Chief Minister met NCC cadets, appreciating their active role in relief efforts. Responding to concerns raised by school girls about damaged school infrastructure, he assured the opening of a CBSE-affiliated school in Thunag.-
He also interacted with SDRF personnel and praised their tireless commitment. Brigadier Yajuvendra Singh of the Indian Army briefed the CM on ongoing relief operations, noting the deployment of 26 army personnel in the area.
CM Sukhu expressed deep gratitude to the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, Home Guards, and volunteers for their dedication during the crisis.
Also present were APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Congress leaders Chet Ram, Jagdish Reddy, Vijay Pal Singh, Jeevan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Lal Singh Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, SP Sakshi Verma, and other officials.
