CPM demands Rs 3,000-cr package for Himachal Pradesh

Expressing serious concern over the large-scale devastation caused by torrential rains during the ongoing monsoon, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Central Government to declare the situation in Himachal Pradesh a national disaster. The party has demanded a relief package of at least Rs 3,000 crore to support the state in carrying out urgent rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures.

The CPM also pressed for a comprehensive national policy to address climate change-driven disasters, calling on the Central Government to commission scientific research into the causes and patterns of such calamities. The party emphasised that any strategy must be implemented at the grassroots level to ensure preparedness and effective prevention.

At the state level, the CPM has demanded that the Himachal government immediately convene an all-party meeting to draft a joint action plan. It further suggested the constitution of a high-level task force under the Chief Secretary to ensure coordination among various government departments for disaster management and relief operations.

In a press statement, Sanjay Chauhan, State Secretary of CPM, highlighted that districts such as Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Kangra, Sirmaur, Una and Chamba have been hit the hardest. He stressed the need for immediate compensation to families of the deceased, robust search and rescue operations through NDRF and SDRF, and temporary housing facilities for those who have lost their homes. Chauhan also urged the government to provide financial assistance for damages to houses, orchards, crops, and livestock.

Highlighting the plight of farmers and orchardists, Chauhan pointed out that the washing away of roads and highways has cut off transport routes, leaving apple and other crops stranded. He demanded that either roads be restored swiftly or the government step in to procure the produce directly from farmers to prevent losses.

The CPM assured its full cooperation in relief efforts, directing its district and local units to assist affected communities. The party also appealed to the people of Himachal to stand united in the face of this calamity.