Munish Sood
Mandi: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday (November 10, 2025) announced major relief for disaster-affected families, distributing Rs 81.28 crore to 4,914 beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer (DBT) at a function held at Paddal Ground in Mandi.
According to the government, 1,513 beneficiaries whose houses were completely damaged received the first instalment of Rs 4 lakh each out of the sanctioned Rs 7 lakh. Of these, 781 are from Mandi, 631 from Kullu and 101 from Bilaspur. Another 3,401 families with partially damaged houses were given Rs 1 lakh each, including 1,547 from Mandi, 1,541 from Kullu and 313 from Bilaspur.
The CM said Rs 14.46 crore has already been released to 4,375 affected families in Mandi district alone. The state is currently executing 27 disaster mitigation projects in the district with a total budget of Rs 72 crore. Five more projects worth Rs 18.84 crore have been approved, while proposals for seven additional works are being prepared.
Beekeeping push under ‘Madhu Mandav’
Sukhu also launched the Madhu Mandav initiative, aimed at promoting beekeeping in disaster-hit areas of Mandi. Beneficiaries will receive financial assistance, training and support to establish beekeeping units. Honey produced under the programme will be sold under the brand Him-Era Mandav.
Support for flood-orphaned girl
During the event, the CM presented a cheque of Rs 7.95 lakh to Nikita, a girl who lost her parents in the Panglyur floods in Seraj. He also announced an additional Rs 21 lakh in assistance, saying the government stands firmly with children like her.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, several MLAs, former ministers and senior Congress leaders were present, along with Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and SP Sakshi Verma.
