Himachal free ropeway service: Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has said that keeping in mind the convenience and relief of the people in the Saraj area, which has completely cut off from floods and landslides, traveling and goods from the ropeway will be completely free for 7 to 10 days. After reaching Mandi, on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister visited the affected area through Bagalamukhi ropeway and inquired about relief work.

He said that at this time this area is completely cut off from external contact and the ropeway has come out as the only lifeline here. The Deputy Chief Minister said that clear instructions have been given to the officials of Ropeway Corporation that no fee of any kind should be charged for the next 10 days for the convenience of the common man. He said that public service should be priority, not profits at the time of disaster.

Drinking water schemes affected badly, immediate restoration instructions

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the drinking water scheme of Rs 121 crore of Saraj area has suffered serious losses. A total of 75 to 100 crore is estimated in Mandi district and more than Rs 300 crore in the entire state. The Department of Water Power has been allowed to start the work immediately by adopting offline tender process, so that the restoration work is not delayed. In the event of non -availability of pipes, the local purchase has also been exempted.

He informed that both Chief Engineers will be posted in Saraj to monitor the restoration works, while four Executive Engineers from Shimla have been specially deputed. The Public Works Department has also been instructed to invite offline tenders for road restoration.

Government is providing all possible help

The Deputy Chief Minister said that clear instructions have been given to the administration by the government that all possible assistance should be ensured to provide relief to the affected people. On this occasion, senior officials of Water Power Department including Chet Ram Thakur were also present with the Deputy Chief Minister.