Rs 198 crore provided under State Disaster Response Fund
TNR News Network
SHIMLA: The Centre has released the second instalment of Rs 198 crore of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Himachal Pradesh for the financial year 2025-26. The Union Home Ministry has directed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to immediately credit the funds into the accounts of the state government to ensure its utilisation amid the massive rain devastation in the hill state.
Officials said the move aims to prevent any disruption in ongoing relief and rehabilitation works across Himachal Pradesh, which has faced widespread devastation due to rain-triggered cloudbursts, flashfloods and landslides.
Districts such as Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, Bilaspur, Sirmaur, Solan and Kangra have recorded heavy rainfall, leading to landslides and road blockages.
136% excess rainfall in September
This monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 46% above-normal rainfall, with September alone recording 136% excess showers. Districts like Kullu, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Mandi, Shimla and Solan received more than double their usual September rainfall, resulting in large-scale destruction.
According to official data, property worth Rs 4,595 crore has been destroyed and 419 lives have been claimed by rain-related disasters, including flashfloods, cloudbursts and landslides. Two national highways and over 500 roads remain blocked.
