Central team visits Dharampur to assess damage caused by flashfloods
An inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) today visited Mandi district to assess the widespread damage caused by heavy rainfall, landslides and flashfloods. The visit is part of the Central Government’s response to natural disaster that has severely impacted several regions of Himachal.
The seven-member team began its on-ground assessment in Dharampur, which is among the worst-hit areas. The delegation inspected key sites, including Syathi village, a damaged road near Dharampur College, a collapsed drinking water scheme in Kandapatan and a damaged 33 kV power plant, among others.
Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan briefed the team on the extent of the damage and shared updates on the relief and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the district administration. He emphasised the urgent need for the Central assistance to support the ongoing recovery and infrastructure restoration efforts.
Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar also met with the team at the Kisan Bhawan, Dhwali, where he provided a detailed overview of the devastation in the area and urged the delegation to ensure swift support from the Central Government.
The team includes senior officials from multiple Central ministries and departments, reflecting a coordinated approach by the Union Government. The members include G Parth Sarathi, Joint Secretary (Centre-State and Public Judicial), Ministry of Home Affairs; Kandarp V Patel, Deputy Secretary (FCD), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance; Wasim Ashraf, Director, Central Water Commission, Shimla, Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Karan Sareen, Deputy Director, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power.
AK Kushwaha, Chief Engineer, Regional Office Shimla, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Deep Shekhar Singhal, Under Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Dr Vikrant Singh, Joint Director, Directorate of Wheat Development, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
The team will visit Thunag, Janjehli and Karsog to evaluate the extent of damage to infrastructure, agriculture and public utilities on July 20.
Additional District Magistrate Dr Madan Kumar, SDM Dharampur Joginder Patiyal, and SDM Sarkaghat Swati Dogra were present on the occasion.
Himachal Tribune