Jairam Demands Accountability on Illegal Felling Mandi, Sept 5: Former Chief

Mandi, Sept 5: Former ChiefMinister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of shirking responsibility and blaming the Centre whenever a disaster strikes.

Speaking to media in Mandi, Thakur said, “It has become a habit of Congress leaders to start abusing the Centre whenever Himachal faces a natural disaster. The state government keeps repeating that nothing is coming from the Centre, but it has failed to account for the funds already received.”

He added that while the state claims losses worth hundreds of crores, it has been providing meagre compensation. “In places where losses are over ₹500 crore, the government is giving barely ₹1 crore. This is running away from responsibility,” he alleged.

On the issue of illegal tree felling, Thakur demanded that the government file its response before the Supreme Court and take strict action against the guilty. He warned that unchecked deforestation was one of the key reasons behind the scale of devastation witnessed this year.

Thakur also criticized the government’s “irresponsible approach” during the Manimahesh Yatra tragedy, alleging that no proper arrangements were made for the safe movement and return of devotees, leaving many stranded.

Later, during his visit to Tandi Panchayat in Seraj constituency, Thakur met families affected by landslides and ground subsidence. He distributed relief assistance to those who lost their homes, with eight houses completely destroyed and 35 vacated due to sinking land. “The soil in Tandi has already sunk 12–15 feet, and the situation is worsening daily. Villagers are left roofless and are demanding permanent rehabilitation,” he said.

Thakur, accompanied by Banjar MLA Surender Shourie, warned that large parts of Tandi village were under threat due to proximity to the Pandoh Dam, while landslides had also damaged the road connecting Kuklah village, cutting off access. He urged the state government to immediately provide relief and chalk out a long-term rehabilitation plan for affected families.