Union Ministers Assess Damage in Disaster-Affected Kullu and Manali Regions

Union Ministers of State Savitri Thakur and Shantanu Thakur have begun a two-day visit to Himachal Pradesh to assess the extensive damage caused by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in the disaster-hit areas of Kullu, Manali, and Banjar.

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, arrived in Kullu and began inspecting the areas affected along the banks of the Beas River. She visited key sites including the Vaishno Mata Temple, the vegetable market in Bandrol, and the Raysun area to evaluate the extent of the damage. Later, she toured areas such as Siyo Bagh Bridge, Bandrol, Dohlu Nala, Patlikul, and 17 Mile before proceeding towards Manali via the Left Bank Road.

Interacting with affected families, she listened to their grievances and assured them that timely relief and rehabilitation support would be provided. Expressing deep sorrow over the plight of the people on the social media platform X, she stated that the devastation had left her heart heavy. She reiterated that the Modi government is committed to extending all necessary assistance to every affected family without delay.

During the visit, the minister also held discussions with officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Public Works Department, and the Border Roads Organization (BRO), instructing them to expedite road restoration efforts. Former state minister Govind Singh Thakur and several other dignitaries accompanied her during the inspection.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, commenced his two-day tour of the Banjar Assembly area. He visited Bajora, where he interacted with disaster-affected families and assessed their hardships. The minister also inspected the under-construction Ayurvedic hospital in Bajora that suffered damage during the disaster, as well as areas under the Diyar Panchayat. He met with local residents and assured them that their concerns would be raised with the central government.

As part of his visit, Shantanu Thakur will inspect several other disaster-hit areas in Banjar, including the Tirthan Valley, and will continue his tour of Banjar and Sainj tomorrow. He emphasized that the central government will ensure that the demands of the affected people are addressed and that necessary relief measures are provided. Banjar MLA Surender Shourie and other officials accompanied him during the visit.