TNR News Network
Dharamshala:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, which continues to reel under the devastating impact of relentless rains, flashfloods and landslides since 2023.
The announcement came during his visit to the worst-affected areas, including Chamba, Mandi and Kullu, after conducting an aerial survey and holding a high-level review meeting in Kangra.
In addition to the broader relief package, the Prime Minister also declared an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured in rain-related incidents.
Nation stands with Himachal: PM Modi
Addressing officials and local leaders after the survey, PM Modi said, “The pain of Himachal Pradesh is the pain of the entire country. We will rebuild what has been lost and we will do it together. The Central Government is fully committed to supporting Himachal in this hour of crisis.”
The funds are expected to be utilised for immediate rehabilitation, rebuilding critical infrastructure and supporting families affected by displacement, death or injury.
CM Sukhu’s emotional appeal for national action
Just hours before the Prime Minister’s arrival, Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took to Facebook to share a deeply personal and emotional message, welcoming the PM while also laying bare the scale of devastation the state has endured.
“This is a time of unbearable grief and pain,” he wrote. “The sorrow of losing loved ones and the devastation of homes pierces the heart.”
CM Sukhu emphasised that beyond financial relief, India must urgently rethink its development model in ecologically fragile hill regions. He urged the Prime Minister to initiate a national-level policy dialogue on sustainable development in the Himalayas in the context of climate change.
“Should our current development model continue unchanged in the Himalayas? How do we protect our mountains, their beauty, and their resources?” Sukhu asked.
He also pressed for relaxations in forest land rules to resettle displaced families and called for infrastructure planning tailored to mountain ecosystems.
Himachal awaits rebuilding support
PM Modi landed at Gaggal Airport around 1.20 pm, where he was received by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, CM Sukhu, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. Senior BJP leaders, including Union Minister JP Nadda, were also present.
Officials estimate that the cumulative damage in the state has exceeded Rs 5,000 crore, with hundreds of lives lost and thousands of homes destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power lines have suffered massive damage, especially in remote regions.
