The Centre has approved ₹1,280.35 crore as additional disaster relief for Himachal Pradesh, two other states and a union territory in view of the massive damage caused by flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides in 2023.
The high-level committee, headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, allocated ₹136.22 crore specifically for Himachal to help in recovery efforts.
The approved assistance includes ₹136.22 crore for flash floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, ₹588.73 crore for floods in Bihar, ₹522.34 crore for cyclonic storms in Tamil Nadu and ₹33.06 crore for cyclonic storms in Puducherry.
The funds, sanctioned under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), are in addition to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) allocations already provided.
The Narendra Modi government has emphasised its “shoulder-to-shoulder” support for disaster-hit regions, deploying Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) for rapid assessment.
The aid comes after Himachal suffered widespread infrastructure damage in 2023, particularly in Kullu, Mandi and Shimla districts.
In the 2024-25 financial year, the Centre has disbursed ₹20,264 crore to 28 states under the SDRF, ₹5,160 crore under the NDRF and additional mitigation funds worth ₹5,704 crore.
The assistance will help Himachal rebuild roads, restore water supply and compensate affected families. However, state leaders have demanded Rs 10,000 crore in view of the widespread destruction.
Sunil Chadha
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