Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu conducts aerial survey, pledges full state support amid worsening climate crisis.
By VISHAL RANA
HAMIRPUR
HIMACHAL PRADESH — In a firm commitment to the people of the flood-ravaged state, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday declared, “We will rebuild every destroyed home and provide relief to every affected individual,” during his visit to assess the extensive damage in the Sujanpur assembly constituency.
The Chief Minister’s tour included an aerial inspection of the severely affected Khairi area, followed by ground visits to villages like Chabutra, where he met with families displaced by land subsidence. He conducted a thorough review of the ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations, directing the administration to expedite all efforts and ensure better arrangements for those who have lost their homes.
“The state government is working tirelessly,” stated CM Sukhu, acknowledging the significant damage reported in Sujanpur, Barsar, Nadaun, and Bhoranj. He emphasized the severity of the situation, revealing that the state has witnessed over 50 cloudburst incidents this monsoon season alone—a phenomenon he directly linked to climate change.
“These cloudbursts are not occurring in river basins but in the high-altitude forests,” the CM noted, underscoring the need for scientific investigation into the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events. “It is crucial to find the cause, as climate change may lead to further damage in the coming times.”
The Chief Minister took a strong stance against criticism from the opposition, specifically targeting MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur. He urged Mr. Thakur to “come to the ground and see the reality” before claiming the government was not acting.
“Instead of making baseless allegations, he should ask how much funds the state has received under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF),” CM Sukhu retorted. He clarified that while the state government is mandated to contribute 25% to the relief fund, Himachal Pradesh is spending far beyond its share to support its citizens.
Highlighting the government’s proactive measures, the CM detailed the successful rescue of approximately 16,000 pilgrims stranded in Manimahesh. The operation involved deploying helicopters and HRTC buses to evacuate and transport them safely to their destinations, free of cost.
Addressing the economic impact, he assured the horticulture sector, a backbone of the state’s economy, that the government is focused on ensuring apple produce reaches the markets. “As soon as the weather clears, we are removing road obstacles to provide relief to orchardists,” he said, adding that government representatives are assessing the situation in Kinnaur, Shimla, and other affected areas.
Looking ahead, CM Sukhu confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the Kangra parliamentary constituency on September 9, weather permitting. During the visit, the state government will present a detailed report on the disaster losses and formally request the timely release of central relief funds.
On the issue of financial losses due to recent GST amendments, the Chief Minister assured that the state government is formulating a new policy to ensure the common citizen does not bear the brunt of the shortfall.