Centre’s aid inadequate, says Shanta Kumar

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Shanta Kumar on Friday said the financial assistance provided by the Central Government to disaster-hit Himachal Pradesh was inadequate, given the scale of destruction caused by this year’s monsoon.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Shanta Kumar said the state had witnessed its heaviest rainfall in the past 76 years between June and September. More than 300 people lost their lives and property worth Rs 5,000 crore was destroyed, he said.

Calling for the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he urged the Centre to provide substantial support for rehabilitation efforts across the state, which has been ravaged by natural calamities — including landslides in the districts of Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Kangra and Chamba.

He appealed to Members of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh to meet the Prime Minister, who is currently in Delhi and press for a special relief package. “In my 90 years of life, I have never witnessed such a devastating calamity,” Shanta Kumar said.

Himachal Pradesh has endured its worst-ever flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides this monsoon season, causing widespread damage to roads, bridges, buildings, water supply schemes, power transmission lines and telecom infrastructure. Shanta Kumar stressed that the Centre must step forward in this time of crisis.

He added in light of the devastation, the state government must strictly enforce environmental laws. This includes cracking down on illegal mining, unchecked hill-cutting and deforestation. He urged authorities to consult geological experts before approving large-scale development projects such as hydropower and highways.

Shanta Kumar also called for fiscal prudence, urging the state government to adopt austerity measures and avoid unnecessary expenditure in order to better support the disaster-affected population.