Emergency Cabinet meeting convened

Shimla, Sep 20 (UNI) The State Cabinet here today held an emergency meeting, under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, to review the grave situation that has arisen due the continuous rains in the last 48 hours in the state.

The Cabinet observed two minutes silence for the 38 people who have lost their lives due to unprecedented heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh.

It also appreciated the help rendered by the Army in Sirmour disrict to rescue 19 stranded people from river Yamuna.

The Cabinet decided to set up a control room working 24 hours in Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, to receive all messages regarding damages on accounts of rains and for rendering immediate necessary relief.

It also constituted a committee of officers under the chairmpanship of Additional Chief Secretary Parminder Mathur to monitor the situation on daily basis and take every possible action to provide relief to all the affected people.

It noted that unanimous resolution of the Legislative Assemble requesting the Centre to release Rs 1000 crore as relief did not receive any response from the Central government.

On the loss of three lives last night due to falling of trees, the Cabinet decided to set up a committee comprising Deputy Commissioner, Conservator of forests and Commissioner and has asked the Municipal corporation, Shimla, to remove all the dangerously located trees to prevent further loss of lives.

The Cabinet has decided to request the Ministry of Defence (Air Force) to launch rescue and relief operation for more than 400 stranded passengers in Sarchu and Baralacha areas of Lahaul and Spiti. District Administration, Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti have been directed to immediately arrange for the rescue of people on Manali-Leh road.

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