Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has requested 2,000 crore in emergency relief from the national government in response to severe rains and disastrous floods in the state.
In Himachal Pradesh, severe rains have caused landslides, flash floods, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Chief Minister Sukhu met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged him to provide interim relief funding.
The state has already sustained damages totalling 4,000 crore, a figure that is sure to climb as more evaluations are received.
As a result of the calamity, Chief Minister Sukhu has announced amendments to the relief manual that will increase compensation for flood victims.
The handbook now pays 5,000 to each disaster-affected citizen, but the government aims to increase this amount.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Sukhu declared the establishment of a catastrophe relief fund to aid people in need.
In a display of unity, all state government ministers and Congress MLAs have agreed to donate their monthly wages to flood victims.
Additionally, associations of officials from the Indian Administrative Services, Himachal Administrative Services, and other organisations have agreed to pay a day's salary to the relief fund.
The Chief Minister also urged BJP legislators and the general public to contribute similarly.
The administration has implemented a three-pronged rescue, evacuation, and restoration approach. Around 67,000 of the 75,000 visitors stranded due to the floods have been safely evacuated, including 250 people trapped in Lahaul and Spiti snow-covered Chandratal.
The emphasis is now on restoring damaged infrastructure. While some visitors remain in Kasol and Tirthan Valley, they are said to be safe and have been given basic necessities.
The state government has already given Rs. 1,100 crore in the last 15 days to address the immediate needs of the afflicted areas.
That money was divided among several departments, with 610 crore going to the Public Works Department, 218 crore going to the Jal Shakti Department, and 180 crore going to the State Disaster Relief Fund.
It should be noted that the 180 crore received from the central government was part of the annual help offered during the monsoon season, and the state administration is still waiting for extra financial assistance.
Chief Minister Sukhu also stressed the significance of releasing the 315 crore that has been waiting since last year.
Since the monsoon season began in Himachal Pradesh on June 26, floods and associated accidents have killed 108 people, with 12 still missing.
