Mandi, July 17 — Health and Family Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil on Tuesday announced a financial relief package and healthcare upgrades during his visit to several disaster-hit areas of the Dharampur constituency in Mandi district. He was accompanied by Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar.
Shandil visited landslide-affected regions, inspected damaged infrastructure, and reviewed ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. At the Trimbla-based Mata Naina Devi relief camp, currently sheltering 61 people from Syathi village, the minister assured displaced families of full state support.
“Each affected family staying in camps will receive ₹21,000 in immediate relief,” he announced. “Those who lost their homes will be provided up to ₹7 lakh for reconstruction, along with a monthly rental allowance of ₹5,000 for six months.”
Additional compensation will be provided for loss of livestock and household belongings. So far, ₹3.26 lakh has already been distributed to displaced families, with essentials like food, water, medical care, and blankets being continuously supplied by the administration.
Shandil directed officials to ensure swift and transparent disbursal of aid based on accurate damage assessments. He also visited key locations, including under-construction bridges on National Highway-3 at Cholthra and Paadchu, Syathi village, and the Community Health Centre at Sajyau Piplu.
During a review meeting at the Model Civil Hospital in Dharampur, Shandil announced several healthcare initiatives aimed at strengthening regional medical services. A Block Public Health Unit will be established at the Sarkaghat Civil Hospital, and ₹15 lakh has been sanctioned for building protective walls at the Sajyau Piplu health centre.
Further, ₹47 lakh has been approved for infrastructure upgrades at the Dharampur hospital, including a dialysis centre, blood storage unit, CT scan facility, operation theatre, and mortuary.
Earlier, the minister visited the state-run children’s home in Bharnal, Sarkaghat, managed by the Deenbandhu Seva Mandal. He interacted with the children and encouraged them to pursue discipline, honesty, and hard work.
Highlighting the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana, Shandil reiterated the state government’s commitment to orphaned and destitute children. “We are determined to ensure every such child is cared for like a ‘Child of the State,’ with full support in education, housing, healthcare, and employment,” he said.
He also donated ₹51,000 from his discretionary fund for recreational and creative activities for the children and instructed officials to improve facilities at the home.
