Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday issued directives to state government officials to ensure normalcy and restore essential services in several regions hit by heavy snowfall, a statement said. Sukhu directed officials to work on a war footing as tourism-related activities may increase in the state after the snowfall.
Roads leading to hospitals and other emergency service institutions must be cleared on a priority basis to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare, the Prime Minister said. To minimize public inconvenience, he ordered the deployment of adequate manpower and heavy machinery to expedite the reopening of blocked road networks, the statement said. The Prime Minister also called for restoration of power and water supply systems in the affected areas and asked all district administrations to remain alert and provide immediate assistance to those in need. The food and civil supplies department, along with the state civil supplies corporation, has been directed to take proactive measures to ensure constant and uninterrupted supply of foodgrains and essential commodities in the snow-affected sectors, the statement said.
All departments must strictly and actively follow the safety guidelines issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, it said. Sukhu said the rain and snowfall have brought much-needed relief to farmers and horticulturists in the state, providing a significant boost to the rural economy.
He also extended a warm welcome to tourists and noted that the fresh snowfall is expected to invigorate tourism-related activities across the state. Addressing long-term concerns, the chief minister highlighted the ongoing impact of climate change on the environment and stated that the state government has directed officials to conduct in-depth studies on climate change.
“This initiative aims to integrate necessary provisions of environmental conservation in future development policies and programs to ensure a sustainable future for Himachal Pradesh,” he said.
