Chamba News: श्री मणिमहेश यात्रा के श्रद्धालुओं की सुविधा को तैयार की जाए मानक संचालन प्रक्रिया|

Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has directed the development of a special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safety and convenience of pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Shri Mani Mahesh Yatra. He also directed the concerned departmental officials to prepare and submit an action plan to the state government for a long-term solution to the problem of soil erosion from rivers, streams, hydroelectric project reservoirs, along National Highway 154-A, various connecting roads, villages, and populated areas. The Assembly Speaker was presiding over a meeting held at the Savings Building to review the damage caused by natural disasters in the district during the ongoing monsoon season. MLA Neeraj Nayyar was also a special guest at the meeting. After conducting a detailed review of the damage caused by natural disasters, Kuldeep Singh Pathania issued necessary instructions to the concerned officials, stating that a special Standard Operating Procedure should be developed prioritizing infrastructure, medical and communication services, transportation, and disaster management for the safety and convenience of pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Shri Mani Mahesh Yatra. He stated that, according to departmental data, the Public Works Department, Water Power, Electricity Board, Agriculture and Horticulture, National Highways, and other departments in the district will have to spend more than four times that amount to rebuild projects worth ₹710 crore. The Speaker directed all concerned departmental officials to effectively curb illegal dumping in rivers, streams, and areas with sensitive ecosystems. The Speaker also commended the district administration for its relief and rehabilitation measures during the monsoon season, as well as for the safety and convenience of pilgrims on the Mani Mahesh Yatra. MLA Neeraj Nayyar urged the immediate resumption of work under the Rajiv Gandhi Forest Conservation Scheme to address soil conservation issues in rural areas and the restoration of rural connectivity. Congress leader Yashwant Khanna from Churah constituency raised the issue of rehabilitation of disaster-affected people. Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal earlier presented a detailed account of the damage caused by natural disasters in the district through a presentation. He stated that 957 homes in the district have been damaged during the ongoing monsoon season. Of these, 39 kutcha and 51 pucca homes have been completely damaged. Another 781 kutcha and pucca homes have been partially affected. Immediate relief funds of ₹1.8 million have been provided to affected families so far. He also shared information about the steps taken by the district administration for relief and rescue operations and rehabilitation. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Yadav, Chief Forest Range Officer Rakesh Kumar, Additional District Magistrate Amit Mehra, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Civil Priyanshu Khati, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vipin Thakur, Medical Superintendent Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College Dr. J.S. Bhardwaj, Superintending Engineer Diwakar Pathania, Rajesh Mogra, Rajiv Thakur, and various departmental officials were present at the meeting.