The 1 HP Air Squadron NCC, Kullu, has initiated a pioneering drone training course in collaboration with premier institutions IIT-Mandi and NIT-Hamirpur.

Launched yesterday, the programme aims to enhance technological capabilities within the NCC framework. Organised under the NCC Directorate, the course features 20 trainees and will run until May 4.

Wing Commander Kunal Sharma, Commanding Officer of 1 HP Air Sqn NCC, highlighted the strategic vision behind the initiative.

“The course includes participation from Aero Modelling Instructors, Ship Modelling Instructors, Girl Cadet Instructors, and PI Staff from eight different groups of the Directorate,” he said.

“We’re using a cascading model — training instructors first so they can later train cadets in their respective groups. This ensures standardised and wide-reaching drone training.”

The collaboration brings significant technical value. IIT Mandi’s dedicated drone lab and NIT Hamirpur’s engineering expertise offer participants hands-on experience in drone assembly, operation, maintenance, and application in civil and defence sectors.

The programme has also attracted interest beyond the NCC. Organizations such as ABVIMAS Manali, Himachal Pradesh Police, HPPWD, Fire Services, and DDMA have shown enthusiasm.

“While many of these organizations own drones, they often lack trained personnel. The final three days of the program will address this gap with sessions at the DC conference hall in Kullu and practical flying at Dhalpur ground,” Sharma added.

The Wing Commander emphasised the relevance of drone technology in Himachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, frequently impacted by flash floods, snow, and roadblocks.

“Drones can be used for geotechnical surveying, enabling rapid 3D mapping of affected regions. They are also effective for traffic monitoring and regulation.”

He further underlined their role in disaster response. “Drones can access cut-off regions post-floods or landslides, making them ideal for search and rescue.

They are especially valuable for locating stranded or injured trekkers,” he said. Apart from this, drones offer significant advantages in aerial photography, videography, and infrastructure monitoring.

Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot today alleged that the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate against Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case was purely ‘a political witch-hunt’.

“By targeting the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family through false and fabricated cases, the BJP government is trying to muzzle the Congress party,” Gehlot said in a press conference in Shimla today.

He was accompanied by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, state Congress president Pratibha Singh and other senior Congress leaders at the press conference.

Claiming that the Gandhi family or the other directors of Young India Limited have not got a single rupee, Gehlot alleged that the BJP government had made ED its election department and was using it for vendetta politics.

“Chargesheeting the Congress leaders is a direct assault on the very idea of democracy and Opposition.

It is a crude attempt at political intimidation, orchestrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah,” he said.

The Blind Persons Association of Himachal Pradesh once again staged a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat, demanding the filling of backlog vacancies reserved for the visually impaired in various government departments.

The protest caused a blockade on the Chotta Shimla-Sanjauli road, severely affecting traffic movement.

During the protest, a minor scuffle broke out between the demonstrators and police personnel as officers attempted to clear the road.

However, the protestors remained firm in their stance, demanding a meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu or Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena.

Rajesh Thakur, secretary of the association, said several government posts reserved for the visually impaired remain vacant despite repeated appeals to the government.

“We have been raising this issue for a long time. Though we have held multiple discussions and received assurances, no concrete action has been taken. This has left us with no option but to protest,” he said.

Thakur highlighted the prolonged nature of their struggle, revealing that the Association has been protesting for over 500 days.

“Every time we block the road, we are called for talks, but there is no follow-through. This pattern of delay is unacceptable,” he added.

This marks the third protest on the Chotta Shimla-Sanjauli road in recent weeks, with previous demonstrations held on April 7 and March 27, causing inconvenience to commuters.

The protesters asserted they would continue their agitation until their demands are addressed by top state officials.

The association has expressed deep disappointment over the government’s inaction, calling the lack of response to their long-standing demands both disheartening and unjust.

In a unique and eco-conscious initiative, the Municipal Corporation of Shimla has transformed dried-up deodar trees into aesthetically pleasing furniture as part of its “Waste to Wonder” project, aiming to beautify the hill town while putting unused natural resources to good use.

The MC has introduced a collection of tables and chairs crafted from deodar wood trunks, which will soon be installed at various tourist hotspots across Shimla.

This initiative not only enhances the town’s visual appeal but also reflects a creative approach to sustainable urban development.

Mayor Surender Chauhan said the project is designed to creatively utilise deodar trees that have dried up or fallen—many of which were left unused after natural disasters in the state.

“Around 300 wooden trunk chairs have already been made and will be installed across the town,” he said, adding that these pieces will feature artistic designs to attract both tourists and locals.

“This initiative not only adds an aesthetic value to the city but also helps boost the MC’s revenue,” Chauhan added.

He emphasised that Shimla has seen significant waste of deodar wood in recent years, and such projects present an opportunity to transform that waste into public utility.

The Mayor also urged other parts of the state to adopt similar practices. “We believe this can become a sustainable model.

People can even be allowed to purchase such wood, turning a liability into an asset,” he said.

Chauhan further said he plans to write to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, requesting a state-wide adoption of this idea and appealing for the systematic utilisation of unused deodar trees, which could turn into a valuable resource for Himachal Pradesh.

Despite the recent rain, the water level in all four reservoirs in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab — Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam, Kol Dam and Thein Dam — is less than last year.

According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), as of April 17, the storage level of Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and Kol Dam in Himachal together is 41.46 per cent below normal, the average of the past 10 years, while the storage level of Thein Dam in Punjab is 47.28 per cent below normal.

The current storage level of the Gobind Sagar reservoir on the Sutlej is 1.222 billion cubic metres (BCM) against the 6.229 BCM capacity at the full reservoir level (FRL).

At present, it is 19.62 per cent of the FRL capacity, whereas last year, the figure was 25.36 per cent during the corresponding period. The normal storage level of the reservoir during the corresponding period is 28.98 per cent.

The current storage level of Pong Dam on the Beas is 0.736 BCM against the 6.157 BCM FRL capacity.

It implies that the current storage is a mere 11.95 per cent whereas last year, during the corresponding period, the storage level was 31.52 per cent. The normal storage level of Pong Dam is 26 per cent.

The current storage level of Thein Dam on the Ravi is 0.545 BCM against the FRL capacity of 2.344 BCM.

It implies that the current storage is 23.25 per cent, whereas last year, the storage was 42.15 per cent. The normal storage level here is 44.10 per cent.

The storage level of Gobind Sagar, Pong Dam and Thein Dam is not only lower than last year, but also lower than normal.

The current storage level of Kol Dam on the Sutlej is 0.069 BCM against the 0.089 BCM FRL capacity. It implies that the current storage is 77.53 per cent.

It is less than last year, when the storage level was 89.89 per cent, but more than normal, which is 63.52 per cent.

One of the reasons behind the fall in the storage level is scant rain. According to the CWC, Himachal received 97 mm of rainfall from March 1 to April 17, registering a shortfall of 36 per cent from normal.

Punjab received 11 mm of cumulative rainfall during the same period, seeing a shortfall of 67 per cent.

The reservoirs in Himachal and Punjab benefit neighbouring states too. The meteorological subdivision of Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi received 15 mm of rainfall, witnessing a shortfall of 32 per cent.

Jammu and Kashmir, however, received 114 mm of rainfall, but it is below normal by 47 per cent. West Rajasthan received a mere 4 mm of rainfall, registering a shortfall of 54 per cent.

There could be a shortage of water in the region in the coming days if the rain situation does not improve.

“There is a possibility of isolated showers in some parts of Punjab till April 19 afternoon. Thereafter, there is little chance of rain in Punjab and Haryana for the next five-six days. However, Himachal will receive rain.

No significant change in maximum temperatures is likely over northwest India in the coming days. Also, north-westerly winds will start flowing from April 19, bringing the much-needed relief from heat,” said Director, India Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, Surender Paul.

High-velocity winds accompanied by hailstones caused significant damage to apple and stone fruit growers in many parts of Shimla and Kinnaur districts. Besides, houses and vehicles were also damaged in the intense storm last night.

“Fruit growers have suffered significant damage at many places due to the storm and hailstones. At many places, trees have been uprooted and houses and vehicles have been damaged.

We will assess the damage caused by the storm,” said Jagat Singh Negi, Minister for Revenue and Horticulture.

The storm and hailstone caused damage to plum in the lower elevations of the Kotgarh area. The area had seen good fruit setting this season after two lean seasons and the growers were expecting a good profit this year.

“Much of the fruit has fallen off the trees. There’s hardly any fruit left on the trees. All our effort has gone waste,” said a fruit grower.

Deepak Singha, president of the Stone Fruit Growers Association, said the plum, especially the Santa Rosa variety, had been affected adversely across the state as it’s sensitive to storm and hailstone.

“The other stone fruits like cherry apricot have not been hit so much,” he said. According to Singha, stone fruit makes up around 10 per cent of the total fruit economy in the state.

Meanwhile, the apple growers have also suffered severe damage in some areas due to the storm.

In the Nankhari area of district Rampur, high-density orchards have been flattened. At some places, the anti-hail nets have been blown away or torn, the bamboos were broken. “Several apple growers have suffered massive damage in the apple growing districts.

The government should take serious steps to provide assistance to the growers,” said Harish Chauhan, president of the Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Growers Association. Besides, several vehicles were damaged in Shimla when uprooted trees fell on these vehicles. At some places, roof of the houses were blown away, leaving some people without shelter.

A one-day kisan mela and anti-drug awareness camp will be held on April 23 at Gram Panchayat Mehla in Chamba under the chairmanship of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla.

The event is being organised under the aegis of Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, with the dual objective of promoting sustainable farming practices and spreading awareness against substance abuse at the grassroots level.

In a preparatory meeting held on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner PP Singh directed all concerned departments to ensure timely and coordinated arrangements for the smooth conduct of the event.

Singh stated that the kisan mela would offer valuable technical knowledge and practical insights to farmers and horticulturists.

Various departments will set up exhibition stalls showcasing modern agricultural techniques, schemes and innovations.

Additionally, the event will highlight the dangers of drug addiction, with expert talks and a student-led awareness rally planned as key features of the campaign.

It was decided that exhibition stalls will be put up by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture, Rural Development, Health, Fire Services and various self-help groups.

The Assistant Commissioner also emphasised the need for ensuring law and order, effective traffic management, and adequate parking arrangements for the event.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and hailstorms lashed several parts of Himachal Pradesh, uprooting trees and disrupting power supply as several areas in Shimla remained without electricity for hours.

Several trees fell on huts of the migrants due to heavy storm at night in Hamirpur’s Barsar.

An eight-year-old child, identified as Abhishek Kumar, died after a tree fell on a hut while he was sleeping inside. The child was taken to Barsar Civil Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.

Gondla in Lahaul and Spiti received 1 cm of snow since Wednesday evening. Seobagh in Kullu district recorded the highest rainfall of 28.8 mm, followed by Lahaul-Spiti’s Kukumseri 23.8 mm and Narkanda 18 mm, the MeT office reported on Thursday.

Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi said hailstorms were witnessed in several areas, causing damage to crops like apple and other fruits, which were in flowering stage. The loss is being estimated, he added.

The minister said that roads have been blocked due to falling of trees. Some houses have also been damaged according to reports, said Negi, adding that restoration work is going on.

The weather department has issued an orange alert of hailstorm and heavy rain and snow at isolated parts of the state on Thursday and Friday and warned of thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds in 12 districts.

The thunderstorms and hailstorms on Wednesday uprooted trees, blew off the roofs of makeshift houses and caused power outages in several areas, including Shimla where power supply was restored this morning after nearly 10 hours.

Some vehicles were also crushed under trees in Shimla.

Mandi recorded 17.6 mm rainfall, Dharamshala 17 mm, Chamba 16 mm, Kalpa 15.6 mm and Kufri 15 mm while the tourist resorts of Kasauli received 14.4 mm rain, Dalhousie 10 mm, Shimla 9.6 mm and Manali 6.8 mm, the MeT office said.

There was a significant fall in the minimum temperatures. Lahaul and Spiti’s Keylong was the coldest at night with a low of 0.5°C. However, no major change was seen in the maximum temperatures. Una was hottest during the day, recording a high of 37.2°C.

The rain deficit during the ongoing pre-monsoon season from March 1 to April 17 is 38 per cent as the state received 93.2 mm of rain against normal rainfall of 151.3 mm.

A flash flood near Jungle Camp, 8 km from Tindi police post in Lahaul and Spiti, left 66 security personnel—29 women constables and 37 constables—travelling in two IRBN buses and three HRTC buses stranded, officials said on Tuesday.

According to Keylong DSP Raj Kumar, the incident was reported by Tindi police post incharge to the SP office on Tuesday.

Responding promptly, a rescue team from Tindi police post, along with personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), was sent to the location.

“Upon reaching the site, it was found that the water flow was very strong, making it impossible to clear the road or resume vehicular movement during the night.

The rescue team ensured that all stranded personnel were safely evacuated using BRO vehicles,” he added.

“They have been given shelter at the Forest Rest House at Tindi and the BRO Camp,” the DSP said.

He said that once the road condition improved by morning, they would be sent to their respective destinations.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dedicated a series of developmental projects worth crores of rupees to the residents of Pangi during his visit to the area in Chamba district today.

In Killar, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stones for various projects, including the construction of residential quarters for the Agriculture Department at Killar Pangi at a cost of Rs 3.75 crore, additional rooms at Government Senior Secondary School Luj and Government Senior Secondary School Mindhal.

He also laid the foundation stone for a sub-market yard in Killar worth Rs 2.13 crore, a new office building for Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) at a cost of Rs 49.42 lakh, health sub-centres at Rei and Hudan tehsil, each with a budget of Rs 1.99 crore.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated several projects, including the Mini Secretariat building at Killar constructed at a cost of Rs 20.88 crore, ITI building at Killar worth Rs 5.62 crore, a bus stand in Killar built with an expenditure of Rs 5.29 crore and an alternative approach road to the bus stand constructed at a cost of Rs 2.98 crore. He also inaugurated the 50-bed Civil Hospital at Killar built at a cost of Rs 19.83 crore.

The Chief Minister also launched an ATM facility of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank in Killar and participated in a tree plantation programme within the premises of the Public Works Department Rest House.

On his arrival in Killar, the Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by local residents. The Chief Minister landed at the Dharwas helipad where locals dressed in traditional attire greeted him enthusiastically. Representatives from various panchayats honoured him at the helipad and brought their concerns to his attention.

Assuring the people of prompt redress to their issues, Sukhu said the state government was committed to the development of tribal areas. He announced Rs 25 lakh each for the construction of Mahila Mandal Bhawans in Dharwas and Lunj. Additionally, he announced Rs 10 lakh for the completion of another Mahila Mandal Bhawan in Lunj and Rs 1 lakh each for three Mahila Mandals for purchasing necessary equipment.

Encouraging residents to establish solar power plants on private land, the Chief Minister said, “The state government will offer a 5 per cent interest subsidy for setting up solar energy projects ranging from 250 KW to 1 MW in tribal areas. In non-tribal regions, projects between 250 KW and 1 MW will receive 4 per cent interest subsidy, while larger projects exceeding 1 MW will be eligible for 3 per cent interest subsidy,” he said.

The Chief Minister will stay overnight in Killar and preside over the state-level Himachal Day celebrations scheduled for Tuesday. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, MLA Sunder Thakur and others also accompanied the CM to Chamba.

Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla paid rich tributes to Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversary at a function organised by the Samajik Dalit Peedit Utthan Sansthan at Kala Kendra, Solan, on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor said Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary is not just a ritual observance, but a profound tribute to his monumental contribution to the nation.

Describing him as the architect of the Indian Constitution, Shukla emphasised that Dr Ambedkar enshrined the ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity into the foundational document of the republic.

“Everything may change, but the Preamble of the Indian Constitution will remain unchanged,” he remarked.

He highlighted that Dr Ambedkar’s life and message transcend any single community or class, describing him as a visionary who fought tirelessly for the rights of the poor and marginalised. “His call for education, struggle, and unity remains deeply relevant even today,” he added.

The Governor noted that despite facing tremendous hardships throughout his life — both before and after drafting the Constitution — Dr Ambedkar persisted and rose to become a symbol of social justice and a respected parliamentarian.

Citing the global relevance of Ambedkar’s ideas, Shukla stated, “Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar are towering personalities whose thoughts are respected not just in India, but around the world.”

He urged the people of Himachal Pradesh to work collectively towards building a drug-free society, calling on women in particular to lead the fight against substance abuse by addressing the issue at the grassroots.

“If we truly want to honour the legacy of Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution, we must dedicate ourselves to the mission of drug de-addiction,” the Governor stressed.

During the event, individuals who have rendered outstanding service to society were felicitated. Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, also addressed the gathering.

Former minister Rajiv Saijal shared his thoughts on the occasion, while Virendra Kashyap, former MP and founder president of the Samajik Dalit Peedit Utthan Sansthan, welcomed and honoured the Governor. Solan Mayor Usha Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, and representatives of various religious and social organisations were also present.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday expressed concern over rising malnourishment and stunting among children in Himachal Pradesh, suggesting that the current mid-day meal scheme may be falling short in providing adequate nutrition.

Speaking at a ceremony where he flagged off a group of teachers for an international exposure visit to Singapore, the CM questioned the nutritional value of the meals served in schools.

“The number of malnourished and stunted children is increasing in the state. We need to assess whether children are actually receiving sufficient proteins and carbohydrates, or if the food merely fills the stomach,” he said.

According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2020–21), over 30 per cent of children under five in Himachal were found to be stunted, and more than 25 per cent were underweight. The state was listed among those with a rise in all major markers of child malnutrition.

To address these concerns, Sukhu said the government will prioritise the nutritional needs of students enrolled in the upcoming Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools, the state’s flagship education programme.

“Education Minister Rohit Thakur is working on deciding the menu for these schools. We won’t be serving old or substandard grains like in the current mid-day meal scheme.

We’re committed to improving food quality,” he assured. Ten such schools—one in each Assembly constituency—are slated to become functional starting next year.

Last year, the state government introduced the Mukhya Mantri Bal Poshak Aahar Yojana to supplement the mid-day meal scheme with weekly servings of an egg or a seasonal fruit such as a banana or an apple.

However, constraints remain. “We do try to serve nutritious meals, but budget limitations are a real challenge. In remote rural areas, where markets are far, meeting daily calorie and protein requirements becomes even more difficult,” said a teacher involved in the scheme.

The 13 deaths, this year so far, due to drug overdose, mainly chitta (heroin), in the state has raised alarm about the emerging threat to the younger generation.

While four deaths due to drug overdose have been reported from Shimla district, as many as three deaths were reported from Kullu district, two each in Bilaspur and Mandi districts and one death each from Solan and Una district.

In March, a 21-year-old youth was found dead allegedly due to drug overdose in the washroom of a restaurant at Sanjauli locality in Shimla.

Upon inspection, injection marks on his arms were found. A similar incident was reported in Mandi district when the body of a youth with syringe in his hand was found by the people.

These deaths have got parents worried. A parent, whose son had been a drug addict, requesting anonymity stated that every time there is news of some young boy dying of drug overdose in the state, it is scary and also makes him feel helpless.

“We want the government to take strict measures to eradicate drug menace, especially chitta, which has made its way even into the rural areas of the state.

The younger generation is easily falling prey to drugs as various videos of youth consuming drugs or being under its influence are being shared on social media. Special focus is needed to get rid of this vice,” he said.

To curb rising drug menace, the state government had initiated various measures. Recently, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level meeting with the senior officers of Himachal Pradesh Police and had directed them to initiate a massive crackdown to dismantle the drug network in the state in mission mode for the next six months.

He had also instructed the officers to take stringent action against drug peddlers and categorically stated that no one involved in drug trade would be spared.

Besides this, the CM also directed the officers to take strict action against government employees who are found involved in such illegal activities.

During the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Budget session, CM Sukhu had stated that at least 60 government employees were found to be involved in drug trade.

He made it clear that government employees against whom concrete evidence of drug smuggling are found would immediately be terminated from service.

The CM had also mentioned the strengthening of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), besides notifying a Special Task Force (STF) headed by a senior police officer to combat drug menace.

In a major road mishap in the early hours of Sunday, a Volvo bus plying on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway overturned at Shilakippar in Mandi district, leaving at least 20 passengers injured.

The incident occurred when the bus was en route to Manali from the Mandi side. The driver lost control of the vehicle and it turned turtle under still undetermined circumstances.

Police sources said the accident took place in the wee hours when most passengers were asleep. The sudden overturning of the bus caused panic among the passengers, several of whom sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Emergency services were quick to. Local authorities, with the help of ambulance services, shifted the injured passengers to the Zonal Hospital in Mandi, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Hospital officials stated that most of the injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening, though a few passengers were under observation.

The Mandi police have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to determine the exact cause of the mishap.

Preliminary reports suggest the possibility of overspeeding or a technical fault, but nothing has been confirmed yet.

The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety on the hilly terrains of Himachal Pradesh, particularly on the high-speed corridors like the Kiratpur-Manali stretch.

The authorities have urged transport operators to ensure strict adherence to safety measures to prevent such mishaps in the future.

Heavy hailstorm that had lashed parts of Mandi and Kullu districts yesterday caused extensive damage to apple orchards and other crops, leaving farmers in distress as the flowering season was nearing its peak.

The worst-hit region is the Seraj valley in Mandi district, particularly Thunag and Chhatri areas. Local apple growers reported heavy losses as the hailstorm battered blooming apple trees, pear orchards and other stone fruits.

Ravinder Sisodiya of Thunag and Devender Bablu and Ram Lal Chauhan of Chhatri said that the hailstorm struck at a critical time when apple orchards were in full bloom, significantly affecting the expected yield.

Bablu said, “Our orchard has been badly affected. The intensity of the hailstorm was such that it damaged flowers. This is a setback for us.”

In the neighbouring Kullu district, Banjar subdivision also reported damage to crops. Bhagat Singh, pradhan of Dehuridhar gram panchayat in Banjar, said that a few panchayats in the area experienced similar destruction.

“The hailstorm hit the region hard. Apple orchards and various crops have been damaged,” he added.

Farmers in Mandi and Kullu districts have urged the horticulture and agriculture departments to immediately assess the losses suffered and provide compensation.

“This is a major loss and we cannot recover without government support,” said a farmer in Banjar.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Mandi, and Uttam Prashar, Deputy Director of Kullu, confirmed that the hailstorm had caused extensive damage to crops.

They added that the field staff had been directed to conduct surveys and assess the extent of losses.

“The department staff are actively working on the ground. Our teams are visiting the affected orchards and farms.

Once the assessment reports are compiled, these will be submitted to the state government for further action and relief distribution,” said Gupta.