CM extends disaster relief package across Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced in the assembly that the special disaster relief package earlier declared for Seraj will now be implemented across the state.

While intervening in the during discussion in an adjournment motion brought by BJP under Rule 67,he said the package will apply wherever heavy rainfall, landslides, or other natural calamities cause damage during this monsoon.

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The Chief Minister stated that people who have lost their homes and no longer have land to rebuild on should be given one bigha of forest land for housing, for which a proposal has been sent to the Centre seeking permission to allow use of such land for rehabilitation. “For those who have lost both their houses and land, it is essential that the central government allows housing on forest land,” Sukhu said.

He further announced that the relief package will also cover damages caused by the release of excess water from the Pong Dam, which has destroyed fields and swept away houses.

Acknowledging that families have lost not only their homes but also all belongings, Sukhu said the house construction grant has been enhanced from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 7.70 lakh and the additional Rs 70,000 will help families purchase essential household items and clothing.

Earlier, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi also participated in the discussion, however, the opposition staged a walkout before he began his reply.
Speaking in their absence, Negi said the government is committed to strengthening disaster management.

He pointed out that the relief manual earlier provided very limited assistance, but under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the package has been significantly revised. “Raising the house construction grant to Rs 7 lakh is unprecedented in the country. No other Chief Minister has done this,” he said.
A cabinet sub-committee under his chairmanship was set up to recommend measures for immediate aid, he added.

The administration acted swiftly, however blocked drains and nullahs made the disaster worse, he said.

The Revenue Minister also accused the opposition of lacking sincerity. “They only wanted to politicise the tragedy. Their seriousness is evident from the fact that they left the House when the government presented its response,” he remarked.

Negi further alleged that unscientific development during the previous BJP government worsened destruction in Seraj. He claimed that 276 roads were built at a cost of Rs 400 crore without proper drainage, leading to heavy damage.

He said the state has framed a policy to provide three biswa of land to the homeless, but most affected areas involve forest land, requiring central clearance.
He defended the transfer of the local executive engineer and informed that 60 JCBs and 23 L&T machines are currently deployed in Seraj for relief work.