Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala: Lok Sabha MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj announced that the matter of seeking relief under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) will once again be raised with the Central government.
He said all Members of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh will meet Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in the first week of September to press for immediate action.
Bhardwaj said the demand for relaxation under the FCA would be strongly pursued so that the people of Himachal, especially those affected by natural calamities, can be provided relief at the earliest.
“We will not only raise the matter in Parliament but also ensure that the Centre takes note of the ground realities in Himachal,” he asserted. The MP further informed that the state has already written to the Centre, urging it to declare the recent calamity in Himachal as a national disaster.
He added that if this demand is supported by all MPs cutting across party lines, it would strengthen the state’s case for financial and policy assistance from the Union government.
Referring to the massive destruction caused by floods and landslides, Bhardwaj said that rescue and relief operations are being carried out round the clock by the NDRF, SDRF, Army and local administration to ensure the safety of stranded people.
At the same time, Bhardwaj urged the state government to make judicious use of the disaster relief funds.
He pointed out that the Centre had already released ₹2,500 crore, and this amount must be used effectively and transparently to ensure rehabilitation. “The focus should be on long-term rebuilding and safety measures, not just temporary arrangements. This is about securing lives and livelihoods,” Bhardwaj emphasised.
