Himachal Pradesh Faces Rs 900 Crore Damage from Devastating Floods

Heavy rainfall has caused Rs 900 crore in damages to Himachal Pradesh's infrastructure. With 33 people still missing, rescue operations are ongoing. Chief Minister Sukhu has criticized the previous government's water policies and assured the support of vulnerable populations. High alert status continues until September.

The recent heavy rainfall and flood situation in Himachal Pradesh has led to Rs 900 crore in damages to the state's infrastructure, including the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) and Public Works Department (PWD), according to a government release. The state government placed all districts on high alert for potential natural disasters until September. Rescue operations continue as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu voiced concerns over the lack of immediate assistance from the Union government, despite future help assurances.

Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the emotional toll of the disaster, stating, 'The rescue and search operation will continue as we have sentiments that people want to see the body of their lost ones.' He revealed that 33 people are still missing and assured that officials and deputy commissioners are convening daily to manage the crisis.

The Chief Minister criticized the previous administration for lax water policies, especially in large hotels. 'The previous government was very insensitive, that they used not to charge big hotels any money for water bills,' Sukhu remarked. 'We have made it mandatory that we shall charge per kiloliter from them, even if they are in rural areas. Funds collected will be used to provide pure drinkable water in rural areas,' he added.

Sukhu assured protections for vulnerable populations, noting that widows, single women, and individuals with an income below Rs 1,000 will not be billed for water. Income taxpayers, however, will face a fixed rate of Rs 100 in rural areas. Addressing flood-prone zones, Sukhu stressed that no new constructions are allowed near rivers and rivulets, a policy notified last year. In areas like Samej, where traditional habitation exists, floods are primarily attributed to global warming.

'I have already said that both central and state governments need to study disasters and floods,' Sukhu added. 'Students affected by floods will be provided accommodations for schools, or special buses will be routed for them to nearby schools to ensure their education continues,' he concluded. (ANI)