A central government team will arrive in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district on a 3-day visit starting Saturday to assess the extensive damage caused by cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, and landslides on June 30. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to visit the state soon.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, speaking to the press in Shimla, expressed hope that Amit Shah’s visit will bring significant support for the disaster-hit state. He said the union home minister is expected to announce a substantial relief package for Himachal. The Chief Minister added that he has already met union ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman (finance), and Nitin Gadkari (road transport and highways) to request a special relief package for the state.

Sukhu also stated that the state government will announce a separate relief package from its limited resources to support rehabilitation efforts. He mentioned that discussions are underway with leader of opposition Jairam Thakur, whose home constituency Seraj has suffered the most severe damage. The government’s immediate focus is on restoring roads in the affected areas to ensure smooth transportation of apples, vegetables, and other crops to the market, especially for local farmers.

Deputy Commissioner of Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, informed that the seven-member central team, led by joint secretary G Parthasarathi from the Ministry of Home Affairs, will visit the disaster-hit regions of Dharampur, Thunag, and Karsog. The team will assess damage in areas such as Syathi in Dharampur, Pandoh, Thunag, Bagsyad, Janjehli in Seraj, and surrounding locations before compiling a detailed damage report.

Government to provide shelter on non-forest government land

Chief Minister Sukhu clarified that forest land cannot be allotted without central approval. However, if suitable government land that is not classified as forest is available, it will be allotted to displaced families for resettlement. Currently, homeless families are being accommodated in government rest houses and buildings. Those living in rented accommodations are being provided with financial assistance of ₹5,000.