Mandi: The state has released Rs5 crore for the rehabilitation of the people affected by the Kotrupi landslide tragedy in which 46 persons had lost their lives, while five villages had been displaced. Chief Secretary V C Pharka visited the spot at Kotrupi today to review the losses and relief and rehabilitation work carried out by the district administration.

After visiting on the spot, he chaired a meeting with officials of the district administration and directed them to take necessary action to normalise situation in the area.

Pharka said the state government had released a sum of Rs 5 crore for relief and rehabilitation work. He said additional assistance would also be provided as per requirement.

“In order to deal with the situation mid-term and long-term work plan has been prepared. The road which was damaged after massive landslide would be restored within five days. The authorities concerned have been asked to restore it within the stipulated time. I have directed the district administration to provide special arrangement for the students under specific time schedule till the time the road was restored”, he said.

He instructed the PWD to complete the work of widening on alternate routes — Mandi-Jatingari-Ghatasani-Jogindernagar and Mandi-Padhar-Nohli-Jogindernagar roads — till the restoration of the Mandi-Pathankot national highway for the convenience of people.

He said the situation was being constantly monitoring. “I have directed the district administration to ensure proper channelisation of water accumulated in the area under debris to avoid any fresh threat to the nearby villages”, he said.  

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