Himachal flash-floods devastate tourism industry and inflict Rs 5,600 crores in damages
Himachal flash floods: Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry suffers as torrential rains wreak havoc, severely damaging the National Highway from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj. Preliminary estimates reveal over ₹6 crore loss in Dharamshala alone, with further reports awaited from various departments.
Prem Sagar, a hotelier in Dharamshala, highlighted the adverse impact of unchecked constructions that block water flow, leading to extensive damages within just thirty days of the monsoon season.
"The travel industry has been reeling from Covid for the last three years, and the bad connectivity caused by landslides and flash floods worsens the situation. Tourism has plummeted by over ninety percent," lamented Prem Sagar.
SDM Dharamshala, Dharmesh Ramotra, affirmed that this year's rains have severely disrupted normal life, with over ₹6 crore loss reported in Dharamshala alone, and the possibility of increased damages from other departments.
The road from Dharamshala to McLeodganj and the alternative route, Khada Danda road, have been severely damaged, leading to traffic diversions and further hampering tourism.
Meanwhile, since the monsoon's onset on June 24, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 187 fatalities, with 34 people reported missing and 215 injured.
The State Disaster Management Authority disclosed extensive damages to properties, including 702 houses fully damaged, 7161 partially damaged, 241 shops destroyed, and 2218 cow sheds damaged due to rain and floods.
The overall estimated loss has reached Rs 5,620.22 crores, with 72 landslides and 52 flash flood incidents. Additionally, over 650 roads, including three national highways, remain closed, posing significant challenges for the state's transportation network.
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- With inputs from agencies
