Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh Wednesday informed the House that the department has incurred losses amounting to Rs 1,444.56 crore during the ongoing monsoon so far. Of this, damage worth Rs 158 crore occurred in three days of continuous downpour, and Kullu, Chamba and Kangra districts suffered the maximum losses.He said, “Kullu, Chamba, and Kangra districts have borne the brunt of the disaster. In Kullu-Manali, the state’s key tourism hub, multiple bridges, including Old Manali, Patlikuhl, 17 Mile, and Seobagh have been completely washed away. The Raison bridge remains the only operational link between the left and right banks of the Beas river. Losses in Kullu district alone stand at Rs 30 crore, with Rs 15 crore earmarked for immediate rehabilitation. Government’s immediate priority is to reconnect cut-off regions, particularly during the ongoing apple harvest season.”Reading out the figures in the House, Singh said that 1,091 roads have been damaged. Among 70 bridges, 58 have been partially and 12 completely destroyed. The minister said restoration work is underway on a war footing to reopen blocked routes and restore connectivity. At least 161 JCBs, 42 dozers, and 118 tippers were deployed for the road restoration.Additionally, 462 private JCBs and 120 other vehicles are engaged in clearing debris and repairing damaged stretches. He said that the road network damage is severe, with over 257 km stretches rendered unusable. Fifty major link roads, including 12 under the MDR category, have been affected. Mobility in the Parvati valley and Beas upper reaches remains highly restricted.According to the PWD minister, Kangra reported damage worth Rs 30 crore, worsened by water release from BBMB that damaged the Rihali bridge. Hamirpur has faced losses of Rs 40 lakh, while Chamba, including Dalhousie, has suffered damage of Rs 25 crore, leading to the closure of 234 km roads. Statewide, 1,062 roads remain blocked, though Singh assured that most will reopen by August 29.He said that two PWD bulldozer operators lost their lives in Mandi district during restoration work. Singh assured their families of state support.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd