CPM seeks Rs 5,000-cr relief package for state

Expressing grave concern over the devastation caused by torrential rains and recurring natural disasters, the Himachal Pradesh State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Centre to declare the crisis a national disaster and sanction a relief package of at least Rs 5,000 crore for the state.

The party also called upon Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to immediately convene an all-party meeting to address the situation. It demanded the constitution of a task force under the Chief Secretary to coordinate administrative officers and departments for relief operations, ensuring the supply of ration, drinking water, electricity, road connectivity and other essential services to affected areas.

The CPM has directed its local committees to actively engage in relief and rescue efforts while appealing to people in distress to approach its grassroots units for assistance.

CPM state secretary Sanjay Chauhan, in a press statement issued today, said initial estimates put the loss to various government departments at over Rs 3,500 crore, while the combined damage to public and private property has crossed Rs 15,000 crore. “So far, 368 lives have been lost, 41 persons remain missing, over 14,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed and nearly 65,000 livestock deaths have been reported. Agriculture and horticulture have suffered losses of around Rs 1,700 crore,” he said.

Chauhan added that almost the entire state has been declared disaster-hit, with extensive damage to roads, disruption of electricity supply and collapse of mobile and communication networks, leaving several regions cut off. Shortages of food and essentials are being reported from areas where roads remain blocked.

Highlighting the severe impact on the apple season, he said orchardists were unable to transport produce to markets due to badly damaged highways and connecting roads. “Crops are rotting in fields and along blocked roadsides,” he noted.

Assuring people of full support, Chauhan said, “The CPM will make every possible effort to stand with the people during this crisis. We urge all political parties, social groups and organisations to come together in dealing with this unprecedented disaster.”