Himachal Pradesh Seeks IIT & ISRO Expertise to Combat Repeated Natural Calamities

Facing a surge of natural calamities, the government of Himachal Pradesh plans to collaborate with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) at Mandi and Roorkee and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), among other expert agencies, to understand the frequent disasters plaguing the hill state. This initiative is spearheaded by Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh.

During a visit to Mandi town, Minister Singh, accompanied by MLA Anil Sharma and Mayor Virendra Bhatt Sharma, assessed damage caused by a cloudburst-triggered flash flood on Monday night. The Congress-led government remains sensitive to these recurring natural disasters, which have claimed 21 lives in Mandi district alone during the monsoon season, with 17 deaths from cloudbursts and 27 individuals still missing.

The government is actively working to support affected individuals, deploying heavy machinery for debris removal and road clearance. Minister Singh noted a comprehensive discussion on the subject had taken place in a cabinet meeting, with plans underway for a report focusing on an early-warning system and climate change. Assistance from the Central government will also be pursued.

(With inputs from agencies.)