Himachal Pradesh monsoon crisis claims 224 lives and blocks 149 roads

Himachal Pradesh is facing a severe monsoon crisis, with 224 lives lost over a 55-day period between June 30 and August 23. The fatalities include 91 deaths from weather-related disasters such as landslides, cloudbursts, and drowning, while 133 deaths were attributed to road accidents. Cumulative economic losses have exceeded Rs 1,121 crore.

Infrastructure has been heavily impacted, with 149 roads currently blocked due to landslides and debris. Mandi district is the most affected with 86 blocked roads, followed by Kullu with 31. Restoration efforts are underway to repair power distribution transformers and water supply schemes.

Simultaneously, the state's Monsoon Session of the Legislative Assembly has been marked by political tension. Disputes between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP have occurred regarding the singing of the National Anthem and the National Song, Vande Mataram. Additionally, BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma was questioned by the state vigilance bureau in a property case, which he claims is political harassment intended to divert attention from legislative issues.