Himachal CM urges BJP MPs to help rehabilitate disaster affected families on forest land

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged BJP Members of Parliament (MPs) from the state to actively help in securing Union Government approval for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected families on forest land.

During his visit on Wednesday to the severely affected areas of the Seraj Assembly constituency in Mandi district, the Chief Minister met with victims of the recent cloudbursts and torrential rains. He inspected the relief camp at Bagsiad and reviewed the assistance being provided to the displaced residents, even joining them for lunch. The victims, many of whom have lost their homes or have structures rendered unsafe for habitation, expressed a strong desire for early rehabilitation.

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Sukhu assured the residents that the state government was committed to their welfare and would ensure comprehensive support. “The government will provide land to those who have lost their homes, wherever feasible,” he said. “However, to allocate forest land, we need permission from the Union Government. The proposal will be submitted to the Centre for necessary approvals.”

He appealed to all BJP MPs from the state to pursue the matter with the Union Government. “Himachal Pradesh has nearly 68 percent forest cover. In such a situation, it is practical to rehabilitate the disaster-affected on forest land through special exemptions. I request all BJP MPs to fulfill their responsibility and support this humanitarian cause,” he said.

While acknowledging that no compensation can compensate for the loss of life, the Chief Minister announced that the state government would offer Rs. 7 lakh to each family whose house has been destroyed, enabling them to rebuild. He reiterated the government’s resolve to compensate for all damages using its own financial resources.

Sukhu visited several disaster-hit areas, including Bagsiad, Thunag, Thunadi, Lambathach, Jarol, Pandavshila, Kuthah, and Janjheli, where he interacted with the affected families and listened to their grievances.

He emphasized that restoring connectivity and normalcy in these regions remains a top priority.

“More than 50 JCBs and heavy machinery from the Public Works Department (PWD) are deployed for clearing roads,” he informed. “Delivering relief material remains a challenge until road access is restored,” said Sukhu.

He also condemned the circulation of misinformation on social media, stating that it undermines the administration’s efforts.

“I personally ensured that relief material was delivered to Rain Galu via helicopter,” he said. “Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh have also visited the affected regions to assess the damage.”

The Chief Minister praised the district administration for the arrangements at relief camps and their prompt response.

“Efforts are being carried out on a war footing to support every family in need,” he added.

Responding to a question from the media, Sukhu said he was in regular contact with Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who had also been coordinating relief efforts in the Seraj constituency. He acknowledged that two Indian Air Force helicopters were provided at the state’s request and were being utilized for rescue and relief operations.

“This is not the time for politics but for working together to help our people,” Sukhu stressed,adding that rehabilitating the affected is our shared responsibility.

The recent disaster has caused significant damage in Mandi district. So far, 15 people have died, 27 are missing, and 290 have been rescued. The calamity damaged 1,184 houses, 710 cow sheds, and 201 shops, while 780 livestock perished.

To support relief efforts, 177 police personnel have been deployed in the affected subdivisions of Thunag, Karsog, and Gohar. The administration has distributed over 3,000 ration kits and 4,000 tarpaulins, and 17 relief camps are currently sheltering 677 displaced persons. Immediate financial assistance is being extended to families as per guidelines.