CM Sukhu today chaired a high-level disaster review meeting via video conference from New Delhi. The meeting focused on five flood-affected districts—Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and Mandi. The Chief Minister held detailed discussions with the Divisional Commissioner of Kangra stationed at Chamba, as well as the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police stationed in Bharmour. He reviewed the current situation, including the safety of Manimahesh Yatra pilgrims, the damage caused by flash floods and heavy rains, and the progress of relief and restoration operations.
The Chief Minister was informed that all stranded devotees are safe, with proper arrangements in place for food, shelter, and first aid. He directed the immediate restoration of communication services, especially in Bharmour, to help people contact their families. Instructions were issued to ensure the safe return of devotees sheltered in large numbers at Chamba Chaugan. It was also reported that Jio, Airtel, and BSNL services have been restored in Chamba town and that the 25-kilometre road from Chamba to Bharmour has been reopened.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, CM Sukhu directed district officials to give top priority to evacuating Manimahesh Yatris, particularly women and children. He ordered the airlifting of ill and elderly pilgrims and stressed the need to continue providing essential facilities like food, shelter, and first aid until all stranded individuals are safely returned. He also instructed that food and supplies be airdropped to areas that remain inaccessible.
To ensure timely road restoration, the Chief Minister ordered patch-wise assignment of responsibilities, deployment of additional manpower and machinery, and swift clearance of landslide-affected routes. He stressed the early restoration of water and electricity supply and called for acquiring adequate stock of ration and vegetables. The use of Air Force helicopters was also directed for rescue and supply missions.
Reviewing the situation in Mandi and Kullu, the CM directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure smooth vehicular movement via alternate routes and speed up the restoration of blocked roads, drinking water schemes, and power supply. In Kangra’s Bara-Bhangal region, he ordered the airdropping of food and essential supplies. He also asked for a rapid assessment of the land loss caused by floods.
The Chief Minister took stock of restoration efforts in Indora, Fatehpur, and the Pong Dam area, where the water level has decreased and affected people have been safely relocated. In Lahaul-Spiti, the Deputy Commissioner informed that around 380 tourists stranded in Sissu were evacuated successfully. CM Sukhu instructed officials to ensure evacuation via safe alternate routes. Mobile services by Jio and Airtel have resumed in the region, and efforts are ongoing to restore other networks. Power generation has also resumed at the Thirot electricity sub-station.
Additionally, the Pathankot-Chamba road is now open for all vehicles, and small vehicles are plying on the Kamand-Katola route towards Kullu. However, the CM instructed that heavy vehicles be restricted at Mandi until roads are fully cleared. The Kullu-Mandi NH-03 is operational for small vehicles, and most major roads in Mandi district have been cleared, except for the Mandi-Sarkaghat road via Basahi/Dharampur.
Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena updated the Chief Minister on the situation, confirming daily monitoring and coordination for relief efforts. The Divisional Commissioner and DIG Kangra remain stationed at Chamba for on-ground supervision. The meeting was attended virtually by Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, and other senior officials of the five affected districts.
