Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a review meeting with senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) and Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC) to assess the damages caused by the recent spell of incessant rains in Shimla district.
The Minister informed that preliminary estimates peg the total damages at over ₹80 crore. In the Rohru circle alone, 230 roads have been affected — including 3 major district roads and 227 village roads. In addition, three bridges were damaged, one of which was completely washed away. Restoration work is progressing rapidly, with 203 roads already reopened, and the remaining expected to be operational by September 4. A total of 113 machines, including JCBs, dozers, robots, and tippers, have been deployed to expedite the process.
He added that NH-705 has been restored, while restoration work on NH-707 is being carried out on war footing, with a target to make it operational by September 4.
Officials from HPMC informed the Minister that 31 out of 37 collection centres in Gumma and 25 out of 28 centres in Jubbal have been affected. Due to road blockages and recurring landslides, the transportation of apple produce has come to a standstill, leaving around 80,000 apple boxes stranded, with several reportedly buried under debris.
Expressing serious concern over the challenges faced by horticulturalists, the Minister assured that the State Government is making every effort to ensure the timely transportation of apples, which are a vital part of the region’s economy.
He instructed departments to accelerate restoration work and ensure the judicious use of ₹178 crore sanctioned under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) fund. He also directed officials to submit additional estimates for further financial assistance if needed, and called for the immediate floating of tenders and time-bound completion of repair work.
Appealing to citizens to remain calm and cooperative, Minister Thakur emphasized that the government is working in mission mode to restore normalcy. He assured the public that he is personally monitoring the situation and will visit the affected areas soon. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stand with affected families and extend all possible assistance.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Chief Engineer of PWD and National Highways, the General Manager of HPMC, and representatives from other concerned departments.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
