CM Sukhu Directs Opening of the Dam Gates of Power Project as Heavy Snowfall, Rain Lash State; Advises Caution Near Rivers, Streams
Shimla, February 28: The recent snow in the higher reaches and continuing rain in the plains of Himachal Pradesh have brought relief to the state but have also created difficult conditions in many districts. The snow and rain have been a boon for the state’s farmers and gardeners, but they have also caused severe disruption in daily life, especially in Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts.
The Himachal Pradesh government has intensified its response as heavy snow continues to fall in the upper reaches of Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu, and rain keeps falling in the plains. The Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is himself monitoring the situation closely and has been in constant touch with the district deputy commissioners to ensure effective coordination.
Considering the current weather situation, CM Sukhu today issued an order to open all the gates of the dams built by the power projects in the state. In order to manage the higher water levels that are resulting from the ongoing rainfall, as well as the recent melted snow which could cause flooding. The Chief Minister pointed out that the people must exercise extreme care, and should not, in any way, approach the banks of rivers and streams, given the enhanced risk during this timeframe.
The Chief Minister further said that the snowfall and rain was much awaited in Himachal Pradesh and these would benefit the farmers in the State. Farmers and gardeners in the region have endured extended spells of drought and their emergence is forecast to offer much-needed relief for crops and fruit orchards. He added that while the weather is good for agriculture, there are challenges in terms of disruptions to transportation, supply of power and overall safety of the general public.
“Every developing situation is being closely monitored by the government,” CM Sukhu assured. “The safety of the people of Himachal Pradesh is of paramount concern to us. “The effect of these weather events is being closely monitored at all levels, and we are prepared to take swift action to protect the public’s well-being.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhu termed the statements made by the Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today about the Sukh Ashray Yojana and the collection of funds from temples as baseless. Accusing Jai Ram Thakur of making statements without checking facts, he expressed anguish over the Opposition’s uncalled for allegations. Sukhu refused to elaborate further while claiming that opposition parties were politicising the issue.
Later, he also met and held discussions on party affairs with Himachal Congress in-charge, Rajni Patil at Raj Bhavan in Shimla. Rajni Patil’s turn to Himachal Pradesh as Congress in charge would be of great help for making the party strong, Sukhu pointed out in the meeting. Rajni Patil’s appointment to the role built on her leadership during the party’s success in the 2022 Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections, and Sukhu was sure that under her guidance, the party would thrive in the state’s political environment.
Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to combat adverse weather continues with the state’s leadership focused on immediate safety measures but also long-term relief as data suggests the final damage is yet to come. The government is trying to protect its citizens by opening dam gates and dissuading people from accessing high-risk areas, thus ensuring both that the weather benefits agriculture and that it does not become a disaster.
The next few days would still be marked with more precipitation in the higher altitudes and more rainfall in the plains, but with guidance from their Chief Minister and keeping a close eye on the situation, the government is ready to combat against any issues that come up in a matter of hours.
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