Thunag (Mandi), July 20 — Twenty days after the devastating flash floods of June 30, a Central team from Delhi finally reached Thunag and Janjehli in Seraj valley to assess the trail of destruction left behind by the 235 mm rainfall triggering a series of cloudbursts.
The natural disaster claimed over 42 lives, 32 in Seraj alone and many still missing, and damaged over a thousand homes. Many villages still remain marooned, without roads, electricity, or basic supplies.
In several panchayats, especially in upper Seraj, connectivity is yet to be restored. Roads are broken, water schemes are washed away, and electricity supply is running only through makeshift arrangements.
Villagers say their losses are “irreplaceable”—not just in terms of property, but in lost livelihoods, cultivable land, and the future of generations.
The situation is further complicated by a legal tangle: most wasteland in Himachal is categorized as forest land, which cannot be diverted for housing or public utility projects without FCA (Forest Conservation Act) clearance. This, locals fear, may delay or even deny resettlement.
“Will the government give us land to rebuild our homes and cultivate again, or will we be labelled encroachers tomorrow by environmentalists?” villagers ask, shattered by the lack of clarity.
Amid this uncertainty, former Chief Minister and local MLA Jai Ram Thakur today released an emotional video statement from the ground, where he has been camping since the floods hit.
“I’ve spent 20 days walking through these hills, from one broken village to another. Some I couldn’t reach because roads just don’t exist anymore,” Thakur said.
“What people have lost here cannot be measured in crores. They’ve lost orchards, homes, their land—and with it, their lifetime earnings.”
“I’ve spoken to the Chief Minister, the Deputy CM, and Union Home Minister. I’ll now head to Delhi to push for real, long-term support from the Centre.”
He also urged the Central team to understand the unique challenges of Himachal:
“Here, all wasteland is forest land. Without FCA clearance, even rehabilitation becomes a legal maze. I’ve asked the team to take note of this.”
The BJP leader expressed gratitude to civil society and party workers for pitching in during the crisis.
“I thank all social organisations and our party cadre who sent 100 relief vehicles with rations, utensils, gas cylinders—even when roads were gone.”
Villagers in remote corners of Seraj are surviving on patchy help and raw courage. Roads, where restored, are temporary. Water is being sourced from broken pipes. Electricity is erratic.
“The roads are built and washed away again. It’s all temporary. Permanent solutions will take time,” said Thakur.
Despite the despair, the former CM struck a note of resilience.
“Yes, there is a crisis. But your courage will help you stand again. It is your strength that will rebuild Seraj. I salute this spirit.”