Central Team Reviews Himachal Pradesh Flood Damage

A Central government team led by Union Minister of State Savitri Thakur (Women & Child Development) conducted an on-site survey of flood- and landslide-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh. The delegation visited Kullu and Manali districts, which have recently suffered severe flash floods. They reviewed damage on key routes (Manali–Kullu highway, Ropa–Ghatu–Kullu road) and met with affected residents. The MoS directed officials to accelerate repair of collapsed roads and bridges. She emphasized that the central and state governments will work together on a “war footing” to restore connectivity and provide relief.

During the visit, Minister Thakur inspected sites such as:

• Damaged Road Sections: Nallah breaches and road collapses along the Beas River (e.g. near Kullu). She noted where torrents had washed away road embankments.

• Strategic Infrastructure: Landslide-hit tunnels (Ghutaru Tunnel) and bridges on NH-3 (now NH-205). These are being rehabilitated by NHAI under emergency procedures.

• Relief Camps & Supplies: The team observed relief distribution points and temporary shelters, ensuring that food, medical aid and financial assistance are reaching survivors. Welfare officers confirmed that help is being sent via the SDRF, Army and air-dropping equipment to cut-off villages.

• Risk Zones: Villages such as Kothi Khera and Manikaran – near flash-flood sites – were visited to assess the impact of cloudbursts. The minister inquired about early warning systems and asked if final evacuation plans were in place before monsoon peak.

According to official reports, recent monsoon cloudbursts dumped several hundred millimeters of rain in a few hours, triggering floods that washed away roads and a temple stairway. Rescue and relief efforts have been sizable: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed, state SDRF and armed forces used earthmovers to clear debris, and local administrations set up relief camps. In her interactions, the Minister conveyed the government’s commitment to provide all needed funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). She said the Centre is monitoring the situation closely and will sanction expedited fund releases for permanent reconstruction.

Experts say these areas of Himachal require more resilient infrastructure – for example, storm-resistant bridges and robust monitoring of hill slopes – as monsoon cloudbursts grow more frequent due to climate change. The Minister’s inspection highlights the government’s policy of “live to learn” by field visits, which ensures prompt inter-agency coordination. The hope is that fast remediation work, combined with disaster-resilient planning (such as community training and improved forecasting), will mitigate future flood risks in the Himalayan states.