Shimla: Himachal Pradesh has reported cumulative monsoon losses of Rs 1,661.97 crore between June 30 and September 11, with the Public Works Department (PWD) accounting for Rs 1,231.59 crore, according to the State Emergency Operations Centre.
A total of 296 people died, including 119 in weather-related disasters and 177 in road accidents, while 520 were injured. The disaster also killed 521 domestic animals and 521 poultry birds.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the department’s damage assessment could reach Rs 1,500–1,600 crore, mainly due to damaged roads, collapsed retaining walls and washed-away bridges. He said losses remain lower than the nearly Rs 10,000 crore recorded in 2023 and 2024, while restoration work continues.
The Power Department reported Rs 368.68 crore in losses, followed by Agriculture (Rs 21.50 crore), Horticulture (Rs 12.27 crore), Rural Development (Rs 9.92 crore) and Animal Husbandry (Rs 2.14 crore). Other losses included ex-gratia payments, fisheries, urban development, education and private property.
As of September 12, 67 roads remained blocked, including 36 in Mandi, 11 in Kullu and 10 in Kangra. Power disruptions affected 142 distribution transformer regions, while no water-supply disruption was reported.
Singh said road restoration is underway, with around 800 km to be resurfaced from October. Delayed projects will also resume in October-November after earlier delays linked to crude oil price increases.
