Shimla, Aug. 13 -- Himachal Pradesh public works department (PWD) minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said the government has deployed nearly 600 machines for restoration work and targets to reopen 195 roads of the total 312 roads blocked due to rains by August 12 and another 97 over the following days. Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla, Singh said "We are continuously monitoring the situation in the state. I held a meeting yesterday with the engineer-in-chief and the PWD secretary. Around 312 roads are currently closed, and we are working to reopen them. By August 12, around 195 roads will be restored, while another 97 will be opened over the next couple of days," Singh said. He said around 600 machines had been deployed at various locations to accelerate restoration work, particularly in apple-growing and horticulture areas. "We have deployed around 600 machines at different locations. We have given continuous directions to ensure that roads in horticulture areas are restored on priority and that people do not face inconvenience," he said. htc...