new delhi, Sept 5
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to the Centre for a special relief package and allotment of forest land to resettle families displaced by the recent disasters, while stressing that the state is currently managing relief and rehabilitation efforts from its own limited resources.
The Chief Minister, on Friday, visited disaster-affected areas of Kullu district to assess the damage caused by flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides.
He interacted with affected families and assured them of full government support. Travelling from Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla, in an Air Force helicopter, Sukhu also carried rations and essential supplies for distribution.
During the visit, he inspected damaged roads, bridges, and private properties at Vashisth Chowk, Manali, Bahang, and Old Manali. At Akhara Bazaar in Kullu, where a landslide buried several houses and claimed lives, Sukhu expressed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations.
He also reviewed the damaged Bhootnath and Bhuntar bridges and instructed BRO engineers to restore connectivity at the earliest.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said this year’s monsoon had caused unprecedented devastation across Himachal Pradesh, with continuous rainfall over the past four days further worsening the situation.
He said the state government was extending maximum support and had directed district administrations to intensify relief measures.
Speaking about the ongoing rescue efforts, Sukhu said that Army Chinook and MI-17 helicopters were deployed to evacuate pilgrims stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba.
A total of 605 devotees were airlifted from Bharmour to Chamba and then transported free of cost to their homes in HRTC buses.
In view of adverse weather and road conditions, the government also decided to cancel all examinations scheduled in the state.
The Chief Minister assured that farmers and orchardists would be assisted in transporting their produce from disaster-hit regions to markets.
Restoring roads, electricity, and water supply remained the top priority. Families whose houses were completely destroyed were being provided financial assistance of Rs. 7.70 lakh, while compensation was also being given for loss of livestock.
Sukhu said the union government must approve the allotment of one bigha of forest land per affected family for resettlement, noting that 68 percent of the state’s land falls under forest category and cannot be allotted without Central clearance.
He urged BJP MPs to push for this demand and secure a special relief package for Himachal.
Criticising BJP leaders for limiting themselves to social media, the Chief Minister said Congress leaders were on the ground reaching out to people.
He further informed that the state had prepared a Rs 3,000 crore project to seek World Bank support for long-term disaster management, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
Earlier, Sukhu conducted an aerial survey of affected areas in Kullu and Mandi districts.
