Himachal CM Seeks Urgent Disaster Funds from Union Home Minister

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the state's vulnerability to natural disasters and requested the release of Rs 9,042 crore for disaster management. He also highlighted the need for additional funds and approval for pending projects.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the state's heightened vulnerability to natural disasters. Sukhu appealed for the expedited release of Rs 9,042 crore, pending with the ministry, to enhance disaster management efforts.

The Chief Minister emphasized the urgency due to the ongoing monsoon season, pointing out that the region had suffered severe flash floods and landslides in the previous year. Sukhu also noted that Rs 61.07 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund for 2019-20 and Rs 200 crore recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for 2021-26 were yet to be disbursed.

Sukhu further requested the approval of a Rs 125.84 crore project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund and stressed the importance of establishing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) campuses at Mandi, Rampur, and Nalagarh. Additionally, he called for governmental action regarding unauthorized encroachments on Himachal's land along the inter-state boundary with Ladakh.