Is the Himachal Government Ignoring the Natural Calamity in Mandi?
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Synopsis
In a sharp rebuke, BJP leader Jairam Thakur has accused the Himachal Pradesh government of apathy towards the devastating natural calamity in Mandi. He raises critical questions about relief efforts and government decisions, highlighting the urgency for accountability and action in the face of tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Government accountability is crucial during disasters.
- Inadequate relief measures can exacerbate suffering.
- Infrastructure resilience is vital for future preparedness.
- Public transparency should be a priority for leaders.
- Timely action can significantly impact recovery efforts.
Shimla, July 21 (NationPress) Jairam Thakur, the Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, criticized the state Congress administration on Monday for its indifference towards the natural disaster affecting Mandi district.
The former Chief Minister highlighted that the executive engineer responsible for assisting disaster-affected individuals was transferred due to pressure from certain leaders, yet no senior official was appointed to fill his role. “In times of disaster or tragedy, these areas are often left in the hands of the ‘patwaris’. The Chief Minister only visited the affected regions after a delay of nine days, announcing a mere Rs 1 crore for rehabilitation efforts against an estimated loss of Rs 500 crore,” Thakur stated during a press briefing.
“The pressing question remains: Why hasn't the Chief Minister, who often makes grand statements, proposed a special relief package? The announced relief package allocates Rs 7 lakh for each damaged home, with the state contributing Rs 4 lakh and the Central government covering the balance. However, there has yet to be any formal notification issued regarding this,” he added.
Thakur also questioned the decision to relocate the Panchayati Raj Institute to Mandi town. “I recently received communication from the Panchayati Raj Minister suggesting the institute be moved from Thunag to Mandi. Given that this institute sustained no damage, what necessitates its relocation? The same applies to the Horticulture College, for which our government had previously allocated Rs 10 crore and obtained forest clearance,” he noted.
He further challenged the government’s approach, asking if the heavy rains have damaged several areas of Shimla, would the capital be relocated? Thakur urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu to refrain from seeking political advantage during this tragedy. “The Chief Minister has suggested I stay in Mandi for ten days. I would like to inform him that I have already spent 20 days in Mandi. We have dedicated a significant part of our lives to the Seraj Assembly constituency and can truly empathize with the devastation felt there,” an emotional Thakur expressed.
Responding to statements made by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Thakur referred to them as irresponsible.
In related news, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the formation of a multi-sectoral central team to investigate the increasing occurrences of natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh over the past few years.
This central team will comprise experts from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune, and Indian Institute of Technology Indore (IIT) Indore. An inter-ministerial team has also been dispatched to the state to evaluate the damage caused by flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight that the situation in Mandi reflects broader issues of governance and disaster management in Himachal Pradesh. The public deserves transparency and accountability from their leaders, especially during times of crisis. The effectiveness of relief measures and infrastructure resilience should be prioritized.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jairam Thakur criticize the Himachal government for?
He criticized the government for its insensitivity and inadequate response to the natural calamity in Mandi district.
What financial aid was announced for rehabilitation?
The Chief Minister announced Rs 1 crore for rehabilitation, which is significantly lower than the estimated loss of Rs 500 crore.
Why was the Panchayati Raj Institute suggested to be moved?
The Panchayati Raj Minister suggested the move without clear justification, despite the institute suffering no damage.
What actions have been taken regarding the frequent natural disasters in Himachal?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered a central team to investigate the reasons behind the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the state.
What is the significance of Jairam Thakur's statement?
Thakur's statements highlight the urgent need for government accountability and effective disaster management strategies.
