Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri Assesses Flood Damage in Kullu and Shimla
Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), August 3: Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri visited the Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme at Baagi Pul in Kullu district to evaluate the damage caused by a flash flood. The Rs 315 crore project, still under construction, suffered extensive damage, and Agnihotri directed immediate restoration measures. The Jal Shakti Vibhag incurred a loss of approximately Rs 10 crore.
Agnihotri praised the efforts of the department’s officials and employees working to restore the water supply schemes. He also visited the Matiyana region in Shimla district to assess further damage. The department faced an additional Rs 10 crore loss due to damage to critical components like the booster, intake structure, feed line sump well, pump house, pumping machinery, and pipes.
In the Rampur area, 19 water supply schemes and a sewerage line suffered a loss of Rs 7.50 crore. Four of these schemes were still under construction. Ten schemes have been restored, and efforts are ongoing to restore the remaining five.
Agnihotri met with families affected by the disaster in Baagi Pul, describing the situation as “grim and painful.” He assured that the administration is working diligently to provide relief. The government is extending all possible support to those affected.
Earlier, six people lost their lives, and 47 are still missing after a cloudburst and flash floods in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla regions. The Himachal Pradesh State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Mandi had the most casualties with five, followed by Kullu with one. Shimla reported no casualties but had the highest number of missing people at 33.
A total of 55 people were evacuated to relief camps, and 25 people reported being stranded. 61 houses were fully damaged, with 42 houses partially damaged, mostly in Kullu. The state government, led by Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, mobilized extensive rescue and relief efforts. The District Disaster Management Authority received information about the cloudburst early Thursday morning, which occurred near the hydropower project in Samej Khad in Jhakri, Rampur. Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap stated that NDRF, SDRF, police, and rescue teams were dispatched to the site immediately.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Deputy CM -: Deputy CM stands for Deputy Chief Minister, who is the second-highest-ranking official in a state government.
Mukesh Agnihotri -: Mukesh Agnihotri is a politician who is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Kullu -: Kullu is a district in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its scenic beauty and tourist spots.
Shimla -: Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, known for its colonial architecture and cool climate.
Flash flood -: A flash flood is a sudden and severe flood, usually caused by heavy rain or a cloudburst.
Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme -: The Kurpan Khad Water Supply Scheme is a project designed to provide water to people in the Kullu district.
Rs 315 crore -: Rs 315 crore means 315 crore rupees, which is a large amount of money in Indian currency.
Jal Shakti Vibhag -: Jal Shakti Vibhag is a government department in India responsible for water resources and supply.
Cloudburst -: A cloudburst is a sudden, heavy rainfall that can cause floods.
Mandi -: Mandi is another district in Himachal Pradesh, known for its temples and historical significance.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, the highest-ranking official in the state government.
Rescue and relief efforts -: Rescue and relief efforts are actions taken to help people who are in danger or need help after a disaster.
