Himachal Pradesh: Rain Destruction in UNA, Loss of 190 Crores to the Department of Public Works

Una, September 17 (IANS). In Himachal Pradesh this year, the monsoon caused great havoc, which had the most impact in the Una district. The Department of Public Works (PWD) suffered a loss of about Rs 190 crore in the district. 15 roads in the district are still closed due to heavy rain and landslides, affecting the lives of the people. Most affected is Bangana Mandal, where 9 roads are closed. In addition, three roads are closed in Bharwai Mandal, two in Haroli and one in Una Mandal. However, it is a matter of relief that all the roads of Daulatpur Chowk Mandal run smoothly. Teams of public works are doing road opening and repairs with machinery day and night. The superintendent engineer Harsh Puri said that closed roads were opened on priority base. He said the department was working on a war foot, so that public facilities could be restored as soon as possible. Local people are experiencing major problems with movement due to the closure of roads, which also influenced the normal life and business activities. Last year, in 2023, the rain in the Una district also did great damage. To compensate the loss during that time, an amount of Rs 37.23 crore was assigned to the local circle of the Department of Public Works. Orders were issued to restore the roads affected by this amount and other infrastructure works. Officials say that there is a plan to start these works soon, so that preparations to deal with such disasters can be further strengthened in the future. Departmental officials said the current situation is constantly being monitored. All possible efforts are made to determine the damage caused by rain and landslides, as well as to open roads in the areas concerned and restore basic facilities. Superintendent engineer Harsh Puri has assured that the department is working with full readiness and that all closed roads will be opened for traffic soon. This year’s rain in Himachal Pradesh caused great destruction, not only in Una, but also in the entire state. Experts believe that rain patterns are changing due to climate change, increasing incidents such as landslides and floods. In such a situation, strong infrastructure plans and quick action are needed to deal with such disasters in the future. -Ians Akks/GKT Share these Story Tags