Mandi Reels Under Monsoon Havoc as HP Government Promises Land and Rs7 Lakh Aid to Affected Families
Mandi, Himachal Pradesh continues to bear the brunt of monsoon devastation as the state government steps up efforts to provide relief. During a visit to Seraj in Mandi district, one of the worst-affected areas, the Himachal Pradesh government announced that land will be provided to those who lost their properties in the recent calamity, wherever feasible.
The move to allocate forest land for rehabilitation, however, hinges on approval from the Union Government. The state plans to forward the proposal for necessary clearance, with the chief minister urging BJP MPs to help secure permissions. Highlighting that 68% of the state’s land is classified as forest area, the administration is pushing for special exemptions from the Centre to rehabilitate disaster-impacted citizens.
While compensation can never replace lives lost, the government is offering financial relief for homes, shops, livestock and other property damaged in the disaster. A compensation of ₹7 lakh has been promised for families whose homes were destroyed. The chief minister emphasized the challenges of rebuilding homes in the hilly terrains of Himachal and reiterated the government’s commitment to support every affected citizen.
The monsoon havoc has left a grim trail—15 people have died, 27 remain missing, and nearly 1,200 houses have been damaged across Mandi. More than 200 shops and over 700 cowsheds have also been affected, while 780 livestock perished. Rescue efforts have so far managed to evacuate 290 individuals, and 177 police personnel have been deployed in severely affected subdivisions such as Thunag, Karsog, and Gohar.
The chief minister, during his visit, inspected relief camps in Bagsiad and interacted with affected families in various locations including Thunag, Janjheli, and Lambathach. He also addressed misinformation being circulated on social media and asserted that relief and rescue operations were progressing with urgency.
Efforts to reopen roads remain a high priority. Close to 50 JCB machines and other heavy equipment from the Public Works Department are working round the clock to clear roadblocks. Until connectivity is restored, delivering essential supplies remains a significant challenge.
Taking aim at political opportunism during the crisis, the chief minister stated that the government’s focus remains firmly on helping citizens recover. Drawing from the experience of handling last year’s disaster with state resources alone, he reiterated that the administration is once again prepared to do whatever it takes to bring relief and stability to affected communities.
