Haldwani: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level review meeting on Saturday at Circuit House Kathgodam, Haldwani, to review the disaster damage, including the current status of electricity, drinking water, and motorable roads. The Chief Minister stated that the state government stands with the affected people, and that relief and reconstruction work is being carried out with priority. He clearly instructed officials that providing immediate relief to the people and completing reconstruction work in a timely manner should be the top priority.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner and District Magistrate provided the Chief Minister with detailed information about the disaster damage in the division and district. They informed him that the disaster has caused significant damage in the district. Serious challenges have emerged, including the collapse of the Lower Mall Road in Nainital, damage to bridges in Bageshwar, problems at the Ranibagh Power House, blockages in the Okhalkanda and Dhari block roads, and landslides on national highways. The District Magistrate informed that the total damage caused by the disaster in Nainital district has been estimated at approximately ₹443 crore, and this report has also been submitted to the Disaster Analysis Team of the Government of India. He provided detailed information on the damage caused during the monsoon season in the district, as well as the relief, rescue, and disaster mitigation work undertaken through a presentation. He also informed the Chief Minister about the district’s vulnerable locations, roads, villages, rivers, streams, etc. He also requested approval for various important proposals submitted to the government. The District Magistrate also informed the Chief Minister about the ongoing rehabilitation and road treatment work on various roads, including Chukam and Khupi villages, where there is a risk. He also informed the Chief Minister about the damage caused by the Lalkuan River, Bindukhatta River, Gola River, Nandhaur River, and Kosi River, and informed him about the ongoing actions being taken to find a permanent solution and the prepared DPR. During the meeting, Chief Minister Dhami stated that this year, due to unusual rainfall and landslides, almost all districts in the state have been affected, and the impact of the disaster has been two to three times greater. He directed officials to ensure speedy reconstruction work in disaster-affected areas, utilizing the support received from the central government and state resources.
The Chief Minister clearly stated that every department and officer should define their responsibilities and complete the work in a timely manner. He stated, “Responsibility will be fixed, and negligence will not be tolerated.” He also emphasized the completion of road patchwork within a month, the protection of water bodies’ routes, and the removal of encroachments. He stated that the joint role of the administration and public representatives is crucial in the reconstruction efforts, and the government is working with full dedication.
In the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department to develop a concrete plan for de-silting the reservoirs and submit an action plan. The issue of pending salaries of UPNL employees at Sushila Tiwari Hospital also came up. The Chief Minister took cognizance of this and directed an immediate resolution.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government stands with the people at every step of the way during this challenging time of disaster. Expediting relief and reconstruction work is the government’s top priority. He assured that coordinated efforts at all levels, whether it involves roads, water bodies, or residential areas, will expedite reconstruction work and provide prompt relief to the affected people.
The Chief Minister stated that waterlogging often occurs during the monsoon season, exacerbating the problem of waterborne diseases. To prevent this, the Health Department should act promptly. All medical centers should be equipped with the necessary medical facilities, and extensive preparations should be made, and health camps should be organized.
The Chief Minister stated that public grievance redressal camps and multi-purpose camps should be organized to address public issues promptly. All officers must participate in the meetings of the Area Panchayats, and public meetings should be conducted regularly.
District Panchayat President Deepa Darmwal, BJP District President Pratap Bisht, Kaladhungi MLA Banshidhar Bhagat, Lalkuan MLA Dr. Mohan Singh Bisht, Ramnagar MLA Diwan Singh Bisht, Bhimtal MLA Ram Singh Keda, Ranikhet MLA Pramod Nainwal, responsible Dr. Anil Dabbu, Deepak Mahara and Shankar Koranga along with all the divisional officers were present in the meeting.
