330 Roads In Himachal Pradesh Closed Due To Rain-Triggered Landslides, Floods

NDTV News:

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Department Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, on Thursday said that 330 roads and two main four-lane roads including Kalka-Shimla have been closed in the state due to rain-triggered landslides and flashfloods during the ongoing monsoons in the state.

Vikramaditya Singh expressed gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for assuring ₹ 400 crore package for flood-hit Kullu district restoration during his recent visit to the state.

During his visit on Wednesday, Mr Gadkari and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the flood-hit areas including Bada Bhuiyan, Deodhar, Shirad, Klath, and Aloo Ground Manali and interacted with the people affected by the calamity besides seeking insights into their concerns during this challenging time.

Mr Singh expressed hope to get support from the Centre as chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will be meeting PM Modi in the next 2 days. 

Speaking to ANI, Vikramaditya Singh said, “330 roads are closed in the state. Two main four-lane roads of National Highway Authority of India including Kalka-Shimla are also closed. I have spoken to NHAI officials…I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari as he announced during his visit that ₹ 400 crores will be given to the state”.

“In the next 2 days, Chief Minister will be meeting PM Modi, Union Home Minister and Finance Minister and I am hopeful they will support us,’ the minister said.

Nearly 200 rain related-deaths were reported and 31 people went missing during the past 41 days since the onset of the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh, the state disaster management authority said.

Out of 199 deaths, 57 were due to landslides and flash floods while 142 people died due to road accidents during the monsoon period.