TNR News Network
Dharamshala
Senior BJP spokesperson Trilok Kapoor has launched a sharp attack on the Congress government over the utilization of Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds in Himachal Pradesh, alleging serious irregularities in disaster reconstruction works.
Kapoor claimed that complaints have emerged suggesting that landslides were shown on paper at certain locations where no actual incidents occurred, leading to tenders being awarded and payments released without adequate work being carried out. He stressed that these allegations warrant an impartial investigation.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the financial assistance provided to Himachal Pradesh after the 2023 disaster, Kapoor said the funds must be utilized strictly for their intended purpose to ensure relief reaches affected citizens.
He stated that on June 18, 2025, the Centre approved a reconstruction package worth ₹2,006.40 crore for Himachal Pradesh, including a central share of ₹1,504.80 crore. The first installment of ₹451.44 crore was released, followed by a second installment approved under a government order dated January 13, 2026.
According to Kapoor, the second installment included ₹753.29 crore for various departments, comprising ₹564.97 crore from the Centre and ₹188.32 crore from the state government. The allocation included ₹487.80 crore for the Public Works Department, ₹176.48 crore for the Jal Shakti Department, ₹29.13 crore for Agriculture, and ₹18.22 crore for the Electricity Board.
Questioning the government’s performance, Kapoor asked why many roads and bridges remain in poor condition despite such substantial funding. He pointed out that reports in August 2026 indicated 259 roads were blocked, while traffic disruptions were also reported on National Highway-5 in Theog and Pooh areas during September.
He said official guidelines clearly state that PDNA funds can only be used for approved assets damaged during the 2023 disaster and that officials approving expenditures outside the guidelines would be personally responsible.
Kapoor demanded that the government disclose whether physical verification of damage was conducted before awarding tenders. He also sought details of completed works, payments released, and inquiries conducted into projects funded under the disaster reconstruction package.
Alleging that politically connected contractors may have benefited from the process, Kapoor called for public disclosure of allocations, tenders, contractors, and payments across all 68 Assembly constituencies. He further demanded a special audit, physical verification of projects, and a constituency-wise white paper on the utilization of PDNA funds.
