Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government will soon unveil a special relief package for families affected by the recent monsoon floods and landslides. However, he stressed that support from the Central Government is essential to deliver meaningful assistance.
“Our resources are limited. Without the Centre’s help, we can’t fully compensate people for their losses,” Sukhu said while speaking to the media in Shimla.
Flood Losses Too Large for State Alone
The Chief Minister revealed that many families have lost homes, farmland, and sources of income, making rehabilitation efforts more urgent than ever. He added that the state has formally requested a special relief package from the Union Government to address the crisis.
“The monsoon has only just started—we must remain alert and prepared,” Sukhu warned.
Union Ministers Respond to State’s Requests
Sukhu stated that he held key meetings with several Union ministers during his recent visit to New Delhi:
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Union Health Minister JP Nadda assured that the Centre would consider Himachal’s demands sympathetically.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised to visit the disaster-hit areas soon to personally assess the extent of damage.
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Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari was urged to fast-track vital infrastructure projects.
“We are ready to work with anyone to help the affected people. This is not about credit—this is about relief,” Sukhu said.
Push for Infrastructure & Rehabilitation
The Chief Minister also discussed:
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Allotting five bighas under the Forest Rights Act for rehabilitation of displaced families.
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Speeding up the Bhubhu Jot Tunnel project and other key infrastructure efforts.
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Extending the Dhalli-Sainj four-lane road to Rampur for better regional connectivity.
He further emphasized the need to use tunneling techniques for faster execution of the Shimla-Mataur four-lane highway, along with the Nalagarh-Pinjore and Nalagarh-Gara Maur road developments.
Finance Commission Urged to Consider Himachal’s Needs
During his Delhi visit, Sukhu also met with Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, urging him to factor in Himachal’s unique challenges when drafting financial recommendations.
“We are doing our part, but for real impact, the Centre’s backing is critical,” the Chief Minister concluded.
