Himachal floods: CM Sukhu seeks Rs 2,000 crore relief as devastating rains wreak havoc in state
Shimla, July 15: In the aftermath of heavy rainfall causing landslides and flash floods, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has requested Rs 2,000 crore in interim aid from the Centre. The state has faced losses amounting to Rs 8,000 crore, and Sukhu aims to enhance compensation to flood victims by modifying the relief manual.
Sukhu spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, urging him for the interim relief funds. As the estimates of losses continue to pour in, the Chief Minister stated that changes would be made to the relief manual to increase compensation for affected families. Presently, each disaster victim receives Rs 5,000 as aid according to the manual.
To assist those in distress, a disaster relief fund has been established, with all ministers in Sukhu's government and Congress MLAs pledging to donate a month's salary towards helping the victims.
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The Indian Administrative Services and Himachal Administrative Services officers' associations, along with others, have also decided to contribute a day's salary to the fund. The Chief Minister appealed to BJP legislators and the general public to join in providing support.
The government has outlined a three-point strategy of rescue, evacuation, and restoration. Over 67,000 out of 75,000 stranded tourists have been rescued, including 250 individuals trapped in snow-bound Chandratal in Lahaul and Spiti. The focus has now shifted towards restoring infrastructure. Some tourists remain in Kasol and Tirthan Valley, where they are safe and have been provided with essential supplies.
The state government has released Rs 1,100 crore in the past 15 days, including funds allocated to the Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, and State Disaster Relief Fund. Sukhu clarified that the Rs 180 crore received from the Centre was the annual assistance provided during the monsoon, emphasising that the state is yet to receive additional financial aid. He urged the Union government to release the pending Rs 315 crore from last year.
The monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh, which started on June 26, has resulted in 108 deaths and 12 individuals missing. Additionally, 667 houses have been completely damaged, and 1,264 have suffered partial damage. Rescue operations are ongoing, with police teams focusing on inaccessible areas and tough terrains to locate stranded individuals. While many tourists have been reluctant to leave without their vehicles, the police have assured them of provisions to retrieve their vehicles when the roads reopen.
As the state continues to face light to moderate rain, a 'yellow' alert has been issued by the local meteorological office for heavy showers at isolated places in the state until July 18. The government remains committed to addressing the aftermath of the devastating rains and providing support to affected individuals and communities.
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- With inputs from agencies
