Himachal Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss the massive destruction caused by recent floods in the state. During the meeting, the State Chief Secretary presented a detailed report on the situation, stressing the urgent need to amend forest laws so that disaster-hit families can receive proper relief.
Sukhu explained that about 68 per cent of Himachal’s land is recorded as forest land, which makes it difficult to provide land to families who have lost everything.
"The State Chief Secretary gave a presentation before the PM, the BJP MPs, and our state ministers and MLAs, on the current situation in the state. We told the PM that if disaster-affected families have to be saved, then forest laws need to be amended. Approximately 68 per cent of the state's land is registered as forest land," said Sukhu.
Earlier, CM Sukhu highlighted the need to amend forest laws so that forest land could be allotted to families who lost their homes in the disaster. He urged the Central Government to ease certain provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The Chief Minister also asked for a special relief package. He said the state had already suffered losses of around Rs 5,000 crore, and this figure could rise to Rs 10,000–12,000 crore.
"We have asked for a timely special relief package for the state. Initial estimate suggests a loss of Rs 5,000 crore in the state. This could rise to Rs 10,000-12,000 crores...The PM has assured Rs 1,500 crore assistance to the state...," he further said.
Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas and announced Rs 1,500 crore in financial aid for Himachal. He also approved the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to help the state cope with the crisis.
In addition, an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured.
The PM held a review meeting in Kangra after the aerial survey. He directed that relief and rehabilitation measures should focus on rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, repairing national highways, restoring schools, providing assistance to livestock owners, and supporting farmers without power connections.
Geotagging will be carried out for damaged houses and schools to speed up aid delivery. Steps will also be taken to construct water recharge structures to improve groundwater levels. The Centre has already sent inter-ministerial teams to assess the losses, and more support will be announced after their report.
PM Modi also met affected families during his visit. He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and assured that the Union Government will work closely with the state government to provide all possible help in this difficult time.
Also Read: PM announces Rs 1,500-cr aid for flood-hit Himachal
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