Shimla MC seeks extra funds from Centre for hilly areas to cope with natural disasters

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has sought a separate budgetary provision from the Centre for hilly cities to cope up with natural disasters triggered by torrential rains.

Mayor Surender Chauhan, who participated in a two-day conference organised by ARISE Cities Forum in New Delhi recently, said cities like Shimla suffer heavy damage every year due to natural disasters. It is challenging to restore damaged infrastructure due to the shortage of funds, he added.

“Besides, the cost of construction in places like Shimla is high compared to other parts of the country due to its hilly terrain. In such a scenario, there is a need for additional funds to ensure sustainable and overall development of the town, for which the assistance of the Central Government is needed,” he said.

The Mayor said to conserve environment, around 5,000 saplings were being planted in Shimla. This monsoon, the town has suffered a loss of over Rs 20 crore due to natural disasters, with maximum damage caused to roads.