"Not a word of consolation..": Pawan Khera slams PM Modi's silence on Mandi floods
'The PM of India has not spoken a word of consolation to those suffering in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, where over 70 people are feared dead in the calamitous floods. Meanwhile, he is deeply saddened by the destruction caused by floods in Texas, USA,' posted Pawan Khera on X.
The heavy downpour in Himachal Pradesh has wreaked havoc, with the state reporting 23 flash floods, followed by 19 cloud burst incidents and 16 landslides until July 6.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a warning for 'Extremely Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm and Lightning, Squall' for July 6.
For July 7, the IMD forecast 'Very Heavy Rain, Thunderstorm and Lightning, Squall'. The weather department forecast heavy rains for July 8 and 9.
According to a report issued by the Himachal Pradesh government, at least 78 people have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh since the onset of the monsoon on June 20.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), of these, 50 deaths were caused by rain-related incidents such as landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts, while 28 fatalities were reported in road accidents.
'The cumulative toll due to various monsoon-related disasters in Himachal Pradesh has reached 78 as of July 6,' the State Disaster Management Authority stated.
The rain-induced tragedies include 14 deaths from flash floods, eight due to drowning, eight from electrocution and accidental falls, and smaller numbers in landslides, lightning strikes, and snake bites.
Mandi district reported the highest number of rain-related deaths at 17, followed by Kangra with 11. Other severely affected districts include Kullu (3 deaths), Chamba (3), and Shimla (3), the report further said.
Beyond casualties, the state has also suffered widespread infrastructural and economic damage. According to SDMA data, 269 roads have been blocked, 285 power transformers have been affected, and 278 water supply schemes have been impacted. The total loss to public and private property has been estimated at over Rs 57 crore.
Mandi district has emerged as the worst-hit region, with the highest number of infrastructure damages reported. A total of 181 roads remain blocked in Mandi alone, while 278 water supply schemes have been rendered non-functional across the state. Key subdivisions in the districts of Seraj, Karsog, Thalout, and Dharampur have reported extensive damage to public utilities, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed ANI.
The impact of the monsoon this year has been deadly. Between June 20 and July 6, a total of 78 people lost their lives, with 50 of these deaths directly attributed to rain-related disasters such as flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and electrocutions. An additional 28 people died in road accidents. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
31 minutes ago
- India Gazette
11th India Maize Summit: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveils vision for Maize Revolution
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday inaugurated the 11th edition of the India Maize Summit, organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in association with (IIMR) Indian Institute of Maize Research. Speaking at event, Chouhan emphasized that 'Farmers' sewa is our mool mantra,' reaffirming the government's commitment to farmer-centric policies. He outlined a multi-pronged strategy to boost maize production, and increase farmer incomes, while ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations. The minister also outlined an ambitious roadmap to transform India's maize sector, emphasising that production can be boosted through better research, farmer education, and improved agricultural practices. According to the release, India's maize production has grown from 10 Mn MT in the 1990s to 42.3 Mn MT in recent years, with a projected target of 86 Mn MT by 2047. However, productivity remains at 3.7 MT/Ha--below global standards. States like Bihar and West Bengal are leading in productivity. Under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (lab to land campaign), the government deployed approximately 11,000 agricultural scientists and officials to 7000-8000 villages, bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application. 'We decided that scientists will go to farmers' fields,' Chouhan explained. Later during the day, Uttar Pradesh Minister for Agriculture, Agricultural Education & Research, Surya Pratap Shahi, highlighted the state's transformative maize expansion under the Uttar Pradesh Accelerated Maize Development Program, a strategic five-year initiative launched by the UP government. The program targets maize as a key diversification crop with dedicated budget allocation, achieving remarkable results this season with cultivation expanding to 5,40,000 hectares across 24 districts, verified through satellite surveys rather than manual estimates. The state's productivity gains are impressive, with current yields reaching 34 quintals per hectare and expectations of exceeding 40 quintals this season. Approximately 15 companies are now engaged in maize processing across Uttar Pradesh, while the government explores value-added opportunities, including the production of fibre and biodegradable alternatives to plastic. The minister emphasised the government's commitment to supporting farmers through minimum support price procurement and addressing quality seed availability challenges, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a significant player in India's maize sector transformation. On the occasion, Subroto Geed, Co-Chairman of FICCI's Committee on Agriculture and President - South Asia at Corteva Agriscience said Maize is no longer just a crop -- it is a national imperative. To unlock its full potential across food security, livestock feed, and biofuel, we must boost productivity per hectare. This demands a strategic push toward cutting-edge technologies, resilient seed systems, and digital agriculture. A collaborative ecosystem -- where farmers, government, industry, and researchers work in sync, is key. By equipping farmers with the right tools and access, we can drive a self-sufficient, climate-smart, and globally competitive maize economy. Dr H.S. Jat, Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, outlined ambitious productivity goals, stating that maize production must grow at 8-9 per cent annually to achieve 65-70 million tonnes by 2030, supporting India's ethanol blending target of E30. He highlighted that whilst ethanol currently consumes 18-20 per cent of maize production, the sector requires improved starch content in hybrids to enhance ethanol recovery from the current 38 per cent to 42 per cent. The institute is developing high-yielding varieties capable of 10-11 tonnes per hectare in rabi-spring seasons and 7-8 tonnes in kharif, with enhanced fermentable content of 64-65 per cent. He emphasized that the site specification mechanization is required to achieve the desired goals from seed to seed. Sunjay Vuppuluri, National Head of Food & Agribusiness Strategic Advisory & Research at YES BANK, presented market analysis showing maize as India's fastest-growing cereal crop. Over the past decade, acreage expanded by 31 per cent to 12 million hectares, while production surged 75 per cent to exceed 40 million tonnes. However, a critical demand-supply gap is emerging, with consumption growing at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent compared to production growth of 5.8 per cent. Poultry feed remains the most significant consumer at 51 per cent, followed by ethanol at 18 per cent, highlighting the sector's strategic importance for food and energy security. The Minister also felicitated the progressive farmers for their exceptional contribution towards maize cultivation. (ANI)
India Gazette
31 minutes ago
- India Gazette
RSS discusses issues from Manipur to Operation Sindoor during three-day Pracharak meet
ANI 07 Jul 2025, 22:36 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) three-day All India Pracharak Meeting, held at Delhi's Keshav Kunj, concluded on July 6. The event commenced on July 4. The meeting primarily focused on planning the centenary year celebrations of the RSS, scheduled to begin nationwide in October. However, the discussions extended well beyond the Sangh's internal programs, touching upon several pressing national and international matters. According to sources, apart from centenary celebrations, the meeting also deliberated on attacks on Hindu temples in Canada and the United States, as well as on the persecution of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Issues such as illegal infiltration from Bangladesh and religious conversions were also discussed. The meeting reviewed the Sangh's efforts to restore peace in the violence-hit state of Manipur. Another topic of discussion was the situation in border states during Operation Sindoor. Pracharaks working in these regions shared their perspectives on the situation arising from Indo-Pak tensions, and the meeting explored possible roles that RSS volunteers could play under such circumstances. The meeting also touched upon the current political climate in India. Discussions were held on how to reduce caste and linguistic divides caused by political polarisation and to strengthen the social fabric. Emphasis was laid on promoting social harmony. The meeting saw participation from RSS pracharaks from all 11 zones and 46 provinces. RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale led it. (ANI)
India Gazette
31 minutes ago
- India Gazette
1984 anti-Sikh riots: Sajjan Kumar denies allegations, says he was falsely implicated
New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar denied the charges levelled against him in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots' case. He stated before a Rouse Avenue court that he was not present at the site of the riots and was falsely implicated. Special Judge Dig Vinay Singh recorded the statement of Sajjan Kumar, who is an accused in the case. The court recorded his statement in a case lodged in Janak Puri and Vikas Puri and investigated by the SIT. The Janakpuri case pertains to the killing of two Sikhs, Sohan Singh and his son-in-law Avtar Singh, on November 1, 1984. And second case was registered at Vikaspuri police station related to the burning of Gurcharan Singh on November 2, 1984. Advocate Anil Kumar Sharma, along with advocates Anuj Sharma and Apoorv Sharma, appeared for Sajjan Kumar. During the recording of his statement, Sajjan Kumar stated that allegations against him are false and he has been falsely implicated in this case. In response to a question that he was identified by a witness, Sajjan Kumar stated that he was not there. He also said that he was a Congress party member and was an MP. He was known to the public, anyone can take his name. His name came in this case for the first time in 2016. He was not named by anyone initially. He said that earlier, an un-trace report was filed. 'The allegations against me are politically motivated. The witnesses cited are levelling fresh allegations against me to establish the case,' Sajjan Kumar said. In his defence, Sajjan Kumar said that he also gave his consent for a lie detector test. He also organised a blood camp. It was further stated by Sajjan Kumar that he was granted anticipatory bail in the same case. 'I have been not assigned any role in relation to the same incident,' he added. The court had discharged Sajjan Kumar from the offence of murder on August 23, 2023. The Court had framed Charges against Sajjan Kumar under sections of IPC 147 (Punishment for rioting), 148 (Rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (offence is committed by any member of unlawful assembly in prosecution of the common object of that assembly), 153 (promoting enmity between different groups), 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship, with intent to insult the religion of any class), 307 (attempt of murder), 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), 323 (deals with punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 395 (punishment for dacoity) and 426 (punishment for mischief) etc. Special Judge MK Nagpal while ordering framing of charges, stated, 'This court is of prima facie view that the oral and documentary evidence placed on record by prosecution is sufficient to hold that an unlawful assembly or mob consisting of hundreds of persons and armed with deadly weapons like dandas, iron rods, bricks and stones etc. had gathered near the Gurudwara situated in Gulab Bagh, Nawada on November 1, 1984.' Court had noted that the accused Sajjan Kumar was also a part of the said mob, and common object of the said mob was to put the above said Gurudwara on fire and to burn and loot the articles lying therein and also to burn and destroy the houses of Sikhs situated in the said locality, to damage, destroy or loot their articles or property and to kill the Sikhs residing in that locality, in order to avenge killing of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Hence, a prima facie case is held to be made out against the accused Sajjan Kumar for commission of the offences punishable under sections 147, 148, 149, 153A, 295, 307, 308, 323, 395, 436 IPC and charges are accordingly directed to be framed against him for the said offences. Further, in alternative, a charge for the offence of abetment defined by Section 107 IPC and made punishable by Section 109 read with 114 IPC in relation to the above said offences is also directed to be framed against the accused as the accused being principal abettor was present at the scene of crime, when the offences abetted by him were committed by the other unknown offenders. However, as far as the offences committed during the incident dated November 2, 1984 and which relate to the murder of Sohan Singh and Avtar Singh at the hands of members of the mob or crowd, which had gathered on that date near or outside the Congress party office in Uttam Nagar, and also the injuries suffered by complainant Harvinder Singh in the said incident, are concerned, the accused is being discharged for the offences Under section 302 and 325 IPC respectively committed in the said incident for the reasons already discussed in this order, court had said. (ANI)
