HP suffers loss of Rs 1541 cr due to heavy rainfall: Dhumal

Shimla, Sep 8 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh has suffered a loss estimated at Rs 1,541 crore due to heavy rainfall in the state, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said here today.

''At least 1,41,572 hectares of agricultural and 12,988 hectares of horticultural area had been affected. The crop loss had been valued at Rs 199.47 crore and horticulture loss valued at Rs 204.60 crore,'' he said in a video conferencing with the deputy commissioners of the state.

Mr Dhumal massive loss had been caused to the roads, drinking water supply and irrigation schemes besides damaging private properties valued at over Rs 180 crore alone.

He said the state government had disbursed relief fund of Rs 106 crore amongst the deputy commissioners and different departments to deliver immediate relief to the affected people and to restore the damaged infrastructure.

He said the state government had also urged the Centre for interim flood relief of Rs 500 crore pending the assessment by the Central Team so that relief, rehabilitation and restoration works were carried on war footing.

UNI XC PS JN SP AS2105