Shimla, Sept. 1 -- The Himachal Pradesh government today declared the entire state as "disaster affected" under Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act, following widespread devastation caused by incessant monsoon rains, landslides and cloudbursts since June 20.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a suo motu statement in the Assembly highlighting the gravity of the situation, saying that the cumulative loss has crossed Rs 3,056 crore with maximum damage reported to roads, power infrastructure and drinking water schemes in Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur and Kinnaur districts.
The Chief Minister said that the state has been carrying out relief and rescue operations on a war footing, with over 10,000 pilgrims and residents ...