Manali tragedy: CM orders authorities to follow safety norms

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today held a review meeting with senior state officials and asked them to “learn” from the Beas tragedy even as he directed power department staff to strictly adhere to “safety norms” at dam sites. Singh directed multi-purpose projects and the power department to take extra precautions to avert any mishap in the future while discharging water from dams. [caption id=“attachment_1322829” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra Singh. PTI[/caption] He ordered that announcements should be made before releasing the water downstream through loudspeakers fitted on vehicles along with warning by hooters. “We should learn a lesson from the Larji dam mishap and every precaution should be taken in future by all departments concerned,” he said. Required fencing would be done at all dams and other dangerous zones and proper signboards would be installed in such areas. Singh said that a high-level inquiry has been ordered and stern action will be taken against those found to have been negligent. Meanwhile, despite a day-long search today no bodies were recovered and 19 students and one co-tour leader are still missing. The parents of the missing students are camping at Kullu and Mandi along with Telangana Home Minister Nayani Narasimha Reddy, who is monitoring the relief and rescue operations. “We are making all efforts to retrieve the bodies as early as possible, but the rescue teams are facing problems due to water level and the silt,” Reddy said. Aisha Hussain, whose son is feared to have been swept away by the river, said, “I want my child back. No stone should be left unturned. If he is not alive, I want the body of my son back.” PTI