Centre yet to sanction disaster relief package to Himachal: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the Central Government had not yet sanctioned a special relief package to the state in view of the recent rain disaster and the government was carrying out all rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts from its limited resources.

Sukhu, while speaking to mediapersons at the Bhuntar airport during a visit to assess the damage caused in Kullu district, called upon BJP national president JP Nadda and the seven BJP MPs from Himachal Pradesh to press the Central Government to grant a dedicated relief package.

The Chief Minister said that an Rs 3,000 crore proposal for post-disaster rehabilitation efforts had been submitted to the World Bank and its swift approval was expected. He criticised BJP leaders alleging that their involvement had been limited to social media and political posturing rather than active participation in relief efforts. He urged the BJP leaders to request the Central Government to ease rules for the allotment of forestland for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected people.

The Chief Minister said that Chinook and MI-17 helicopters of the Indian Air Force were deployed to rescue over 1,166 pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district. He added that all remaining stranded persons would be evacuated by the evening. Given the adverse weather and road conditions, the government has also decided to cancel all examinations in the state.

Sukhu arrived in Kullu in a helicopter carrying relief supplies. He said that ration and essential materials were being airlifted to the disaster-hit areas that still remain inaccessible. He later proceeded to Manali in the helicopter. The Manali national highway has suffered extensive damage due to heavy rain.

He said, “The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been asked to expedite road repair and restoration efforts. The state government is working to ensure that farmers and orchardists in the affected regions are able to transport their produce to market.”

Later, the Chief Minister reviewed the rescue operations in the Inner Akhara Bazaar area of Kullu town where nine persons were buried under the debris of two landslides. Two persons were trapped on the night of September 2 while seven more were buried under a landslide on September 4 morning. One body was recovered yesterday while the body of Rashid Sheikh (47) was recovered today. Three persons were injured and one of them was referred to AIIMS-Bilaspur.

Sukhu assured the disaster-affected families of all possible help. He announced plans to mitigate landslide risks and protect residential areas in Inner Akhara Bazaar. Local residents requested the Chief Minister for the construction of a protection wall at Khaned and improved drainage and sewerage facilities at Math. The Chief Minister said that besides an Rs 7 lakh relief for fully damaged houses, an extra Rs 70,000 would be provided for the loss of utensils and other essential items.

Sukhu also conducted an aerial survey of the disaster-affected areas in Mandi and Kullu districts.