CM urges PM Modi for relaxation under FCA to allow resettlement of displaced families on forest land

Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to the state, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu apprised him of the unprecedented losses suffered by the state due to rain-induced floods and landslides.

During a review meeting at the Kangra airport on Tuesday, chaired by the prime minister, Sukhu informed that while the state government was extending all possible help to the affected families with its limited resources, urgent additional support from the Union government was required.

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He requested for relaxation under the Forest Conservation Act to allow resettlement of displaced families on forest land, pointing out that 68 percent of Himachal’s area falls under forests.

He sought a special relief package from the Centre, stressing that the state’s resources alone were inadequate to deal with the scale of devastation.

He further urged the government of India to allow an additional two percent borrowing limit to enable effective relief and rehabilitation measures.

Highlighting inadequate support for restoration of government infrastructure, Sukhu called for revision of existing norms, stating that the cost of restoring damaged projects is often higher than creating new ones.

“So far, we are receiving too low and too late,” he said, adding that losses suffered by hydropower projects due to prolonged shutdowns after floods are not recognised under current guidelines.

He also reiterated Himachal’s demand for free royalty from hydropower generation and the transfer of CPSU-owned power projects to the State after 40 years of operation.

The chief minister sought Centre’s support for the expansion of the Kangra airport, construction of all-weather tunnels under NHAI projects, and development of alternative mountain routes to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during adverse weather.

He strongly raised the demand for the Bhubu Jot tunnel project, which would provide significant relief to travelers on the Kullu–Manali route.

Sukhu expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for personally visiting the disaster-hit areas and reviewing the situation on the ground.