Rains cause Rs 567 crore loss in Himachal

Shimla, Aug 17 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh has suffered a loss of Rs 567.32 crore due to rains that have also claimed 28 human lives, the state government said on Wednesday.

Roads and bridges suffered the maximum damage, which was pegged at Rs 396 crore.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Wednesday held a review meeting to assess the damage and stressed the need to provide adequate funds immediately to those who had suffered losses, besides restoring village link roads and bridges.

The Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department to find out a permanent solution to the frequent landslides near Hanogi temple in Mandi district on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway-21, which disrupts traffic for hours.

Additional Chief Secretary Narinder Chauhan said 166 damaged roads have since been restored. He said three bridges were washed away.