Heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh has resulted in temporary suspension of educational institutions in various districts. Yamuna river and its tributaries are at high water level in Paonta Sahib area, causing flooding in nearby areas.
Life in the state has been severely affected due to monsoon rains, especially in the low-lying areas, suffering continuous damage. The Hamirpur division of the Public Works Department has suffered significant economic losses of ₹211 crore so far, as informed by the department’s Chief Engineer, Mr Vijay Chaudhary.
In a press conference held on Wednesday, Mr. Chaudhary said that there has been extensive damage to infrastructure facilities in Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Una districts. In the worst affected Una district, damage worth more than ₹ 70 crore has been estimated due to rain and landslides, which also includes damage to four major bridges.
Hamirpur’s five assembly constituencies have suffered losses worth ₹11.48 crore, while Bilaspur district has suffered losses worth an estimated ₹42 crore. Several roads have been damaged in Dharmpur area. A total of 36 roads in Hamirpur zone were completely blocked, including 20 roads in Dharmpur assembly constituency alone.
Departmental employees are trying to reopen these routes quickly with the help of JCB machines. The Chief Engineer informed that the department is working with utmost promptness so that traffic can be restored in the affected areas and essential services can be restored. At present, Himachal Pradesh is facing heavy rainfall, which is increasing the incidence of landslides and flash floods.