Why hasn't the government responded to the calamity after 8 days?

Shimla, July 8 (NationPress) After eight long days of natural calamity, primarily affecting the Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajeev Bindal stated on Tuesday that the Congress government has shown little concern for restoring essential services and connecting with the residents in the impacted regions.

Bindal expressed to the media that the government has failed to restore roads, as well as water and electricity supplies, which are crucial for rehabilitation in the disaster-struck areas. Heavy rainfall has resulted in significant destruction across various locations in Mandi district, damaging over 1,000 homes—between 300 and 500 of which are completely destroyed, with another 500 partially affected.

The BJP leader further noted that more than 200 agricultural fields have been devastated by the severe downpours that caused flash floods on the night of June 30. He mentioned, “The Jal Shakti Department's projects are at a standstill, leading to a lack of drinking water, and the government has yet to make any alternative arrangements, which is quite unfortunate.”

“The majority of the roads in Pandoh and Mandi remain blocked; the government has not taken any measures to reopen them thus far. This raises concerns about the government's commitment to addressing the situation. We urge the government to establish permanent solutions for the displaced individuals currently residing in camps,” Bindal remarked.

He called upon the Chief Minister to mobilize maximum personnel and resources to assist the population and restore emergency services. “All BJP leaders have been diligently working since the disaster struck. Opposition Leader Jairam Thakur, along with legislators Vinod Kumar and Deepraj Kapoor, along with three teams created by the BJP, are actively engaged on the ground. Had Jairam Thakur not visited Mandi district on the first day, the true extent of the disaster might not have been revealed at the right moment,” he claimed.

Bindal responded to the Chief Minister's continuous accusations that the BJP and opposition are attempting to politicize the tragedy, stating, “This claim is unfounded.” He asserted, “If the Chief Minister views service as politics, then we will continue our efforts. If providing ration kits, utensils, delivering blankets, and expressing condolences to those affected is considered political maneuvering, then we will persist in engaging in such actions.”

He concluded, “It would have been preferable if the Chief Minister and his party members were also seen working among the people to share in their sorrow.” Bindal called for land allocation for the rehabilitation of over 500 individuals who have entirely lost their homes and agricultural land.

The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh has led to a tragic toll of 80 lives so far, including 52 due to disasters such as cloudbursts and landslides. Mandi and Kangra are among the hardest-hit areas, where rescue operations are currently underway.