As Himachal Pradesh faces severe crisis, Jai Ram Thakur calls for scientific approach towards development

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 5 : Recent flash floods and catastrophic cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh have led to a severe crisis in the state. The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, and the need for effective disaster management and support remains critical. Leader of opposition and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur said that there is a need for significant change in the methods of development in the region.
He also said that the Union government has assured the best possible help to disaster hit Himachal Pradesh.
Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said, "I went to Delhi and met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and the Prime Minister. They have assured us of their support and are actively monitoring the situation. The losses are significant, and we need to learn from last year's disaster, which claimed over 400 lives. We must avoid politicizing this tragedy."
Thakur said that he visited various locations and has observed that there is a need to adopt a scientific approach towards development in the state.
"This year we have faced a similar situation of flood disaster as it was last year. There were 56 people reported missing across various regions. Specifically, 36 individuals are missing from the village of Samej, 9 from the Bagipul area in Kullu, and 10 from the Drang Assembly segment in Mandi, where 8 bodies have been recovered. From the 36 missing in Samej, 6 bodies have been found so far. The situation has created an atmosphere of tension and concern across the state," Thakur added.
He said that the BJP has tried to provide the best possible help to the flood-hit regions of the state.
Thakur emphasized the collective efforts needed to address the disaster, noting that many social organizations have stepped up to assist. He also criticized the lack of follow-through on disaster relief promises, stating, "Last year, a disaster relief package was announced, but no concrete action was taken. We were promised compensation for house damage, but with similar disasters occurring this year, the necessary actions are yet to be seen. The planned excavation of river courses was also neglected, as people exploited silt and stones for profit without making meaningful progress."
He further highlighted the risk faced by villages along riverbanks and called for serious steps to address these issues. "I have consistently stressed the need for clarity regarding the distribution of aid provided by the Union government, but it has not been equally allocated. I will address this issue in detail."
Regarding the cessation of the Himcare program for private hospitals, Thakur criticized the current Congress government, stating, "The government is shutting down essential services, including the Staff Selection Commission, which was closed for a year. The vacant doctor positions in the state reflect the Chief Minister's insensitive attitude."
When asked about recent raids by central agencies such as the ED, Thakur clarified, "These raids should not be linked to my visits to Delhi. During my tenure, I never engaged in vengeful actions. These raids are routine and should not be connected to me," said Thakur.