Himachal CM Urges Union Home Minister for Disaster Management Funds

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the release of pending disaster management funds for Himachal Pradesh. Following last year's severe natural disasters, Sukhu requested Rs 9,042 crore financial assistance. He also sought approval for a Rs 125.84 crore project and establishment of NDRF campuses in the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, emphasizing the urgency of releasing pending funds for effective disaster management in Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu highlighted the state's vulnerability to natural calamities and requested financial assistance of Rs 9,042 crore, a figure recommended by a central team's post-disaster assessment. This assessment followed one of Himachal Pradesh's worst natural disasters during the last monsoon, marked by severe flash floods and landslides.

The Chief Minister also noted that Rs 61.07 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund for the fiscal year 2019-20, recommended by the 14th Finance Commission, is still due. Additionally, he sought prompt approval for a Rs 125.84 crore project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund and called for the establishment of NDRF campuses in Mandi, Rampur, and Nalagarh.

Sukhu also raised concerns about unauthorized possession and encroachment on state government land at the inter-state boundary between Lahaul Spiti and Ladakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)