Kullu villages declared ‘safe’ in land survey

No village in Kullu district has been deemed ‘unsafe’ following a comprehensive land survey, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi revealed in the Vidhan Sabha, responding to a query by Banjar MLA Surender Shourie. The survey, conducted to evaluate potential threats and safety concerns, concluded that all villages in the district are safe despite extensive damage caused in the district in last year’s monsoon fury.

Kullu district had witnessed maximum damage due to heavy rainfall, which led to landslides and soil erosion affecting numerous areas. The badly hit areas included Devdhar, Kharahal, Bhunter, Gadsa, Barouna, Manikaran, Bandal, Sharachi, Koshnali, Machan Nala, Sainj Market, and several other villages across the district.

Banjar MLA Surender Shourie had enquired about the results of the land survey in the Vidhan Sabha. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi confirmed that despite the widespread damage, the survey did not identify any village as unsafe. He emphasised that the findings had prompted all relevant departments to integrate the survey’s recommendations into future development projects.

“The survey report highlights the extensive impact of last year’s rains, which caused severe damage to properties and infrastructure,” the minister said.

He noted that the district and local administrations responded with immediate relief efforts, providing affected individuals with aid, including tarpaulins, blankets, rations, and relief camps.

“In the Banjar Assembly constituency alone, 1,425 compensation applications were received from families affected by the rains. Of these, 1,375 families have already been compensated, with relief totaling Rs 22.88 crore. This compensation is intended to assist these families in recovering and rebuilding their homes and properties,” the minister said.