Himachal to set up disaster response system in all 3,645 panchayats

The state government will establish disaster response systems across all 3,645 panchayats to strengthen preparedness against cloudbursts, landslides and other extreme weather events. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi made the announcement in the state Assembly on Wednesday while responding to a discussion under Rule 130.

He said scientific studies by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and other Central agencies were underway to analyse the increasing frequency of natural disasters. The state is also in talks with the Ministry of Earth Sciences to introduce an earthquake early-warning system.

Himachal received 1,223 mm of rainfall this monsoon, 43% above normal, triggering 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods and 148 landslides. A total of 468 people lost their lives, 36 remain missing and 198 others died in road accidents during the same period.

Data presented in the House showed 1,817 houses were completely destroyed and 8,023 partially damaged. The state also reported the loss of 3,779 livestock and 25,755 poultry, along with extensive damage to shops, cow shelters and water mills. Total estimated losses stand at Rs 5,930 crore.

Negi said no funds have been received from the Centre despite a request for national disaster status in July. He added that disaster relief assistance has been significantly increased, including compensation for house damage, household goods and crops, along with higher rent support.

He said Rs 1,202 crore has been allocated for restoring essential services, Rs 76 crore has been provided to Mandi and Kullu and an Rs 812-crore disaster relief project is underway with possible World Bank support.