Former Chief Minister, and Leader of Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur has criticized Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for “being insensitive to problems of people affected by the recent flash floods “.
Talking to media persons at Mandi on Thursday, former CM Jai Ram Thakur said,
“Several areas of Seraj, Nachan, Karsog and, Dharampur Assembly constituencies have faced worst nature fury and there is an urgent need to beef up the rescue operations and provide succor to affected people; but it is quite strange I am not able to establish contact with the CM since Thursday morning as he in not taking my calls.”
“ It is surprising the CM remains unreachable in the times of emergency when quick response from the state government is needed in such trying times ; and desired help is not coming to flood affected people”, he added .
He said, “The progress of Seraj Assembly constituency, which was diligently achieved by hard work of people, besides my contribution during the last three decades being MLA of the constituency, has been taken at least 25 years back as massive devastation has taken place.”
Thakur said, “The epicenter of nature’s fury has shifted to Seraj, Nachan and Karsog Assembly constituencies recently, which is a matter of serious concern.”
Replying to a question, the former CM said , “ A deep study is needed to find out reasons for such destruction and effects of unscientific construction , digging for developing infrastructure etc but human mistakes cannot be ignored too; there is need to have a policy for infrastructure development in hilly areas and construction should be avoided in sliding zones”, he stated .
Thakur said , “ Besides human loss of dozens of lives , roads , communication links , water schemes , bridges at least 500 houses have been badly damaged, nearly fifty houses have been destroyed , roads and nearly five hundred apple orchards have been washed away in flash floods .”
He demanded, “Relief and restoration work should be beefed up by the state government, basic needs like water, ration and other things should be made available and administration should work to restore road links and communication links.on priority basis .”
