The Himachal Pradesh Government has reported total losses amounting to Rs 1,661.97 crore during the 2026 monsoon season. This figure includes substantial damage to infrastructure and services, with the Public Works Department (PWD) facing the most significant losses. According to the latest report from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the PWD alone accounts for Rs 1,231.59 crore, highlighting a severe impact from heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods across the state.

The assessment covers a period of 74 days, from June 30 to September 11, and indicates a tragic toll on human life as well. During this period, a reported 296 fatalities occurred, with natural disasters directly responsible for 119 deaths. Additionally, road accidents during this timeframe contributed to another 177 fatalities, and over 520 individuals sustained injuries due to various incidents.

The official assessment also noted the loss of 521 domestic animals and an equal number of poultry birds, underlining the extensive impact on both human and animal life in the region. The PWD has been identified as the most severely affected department, incurring nearly three-fourths of the total reported losses.

Government Response and Ongoing Damage Assessment

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated in an interview that the ongoing assessment of damage is still being updated and estimated that the overall losses to the department could reach between Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,600 crore. Singh indicated that infrastructure restoration is a priority, with efforts being made to evaluate the full extent of the damage across the state.

“Singh reflected that while the current losses are significantly lower than the devastating figures recorded during 2023 and 2024, the impact is nonetheless substantial. He noted that infrastructure such as roads has been extensively affected, with extensive damage to retaining walls and the destruction of bridges, although this year’s situation appears less dire compared to previous years when losses soared past Rs 10,000 crore.

In addition to the PWD, the Power Department reported losses estimated at Rs 368.68 crore, making it the second most affected department. Other sectors have also experienced significant impacts, with the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments reporting losses of Rs 2,150 lakh and Rs 1,227.27 lakh respectively.

Continuing Weather Challenges and Infrastructure Plans

The effect of the ongoing rainfall continues to pose challenges, with 67 roads reported as blocked as of the morning of September 12. Mandi was noted as the area with the highest number of blocked roads, totalling 36, followed by Kullu with 11 and Kangra with 10. Additionally, power disruptions affected 142 Distribution Transformer Regions (DTRs), with Mandi alone reporting 92 affected transformers.

Despite these challenges, no disruptions in water supply schemes have been reported, indicating some stability in essential services. Singh expressed confidence in the government’s plans to restore damaged infrastructure, particularly roads, once the monsoon season concludes.

The state government has initiated plans to conduct large-scale metallic tarring of approximately 800 km of roads, expected to begin in October. Singh stated that road works planned for earlier in the year—originally slated for March through May—had been postponed due to rising crude oil prices and will now be undertaken in October and November as weather conditions stabilise.

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