Himachal's Battle Against Natural Calamities: An Urgent Examination

The Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh has emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of frequent natural disasters, such as cloudbursts and landslides, which have severely impacted the state. A Central team has been deployed to investigate and report on these disasters within a week.

The hill states, particularly Himachal Pradesh, face unique challenges in combating natural calamities. Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena stressed the importance of identifying root causes to better prepare for these disasters.

A Central deputation led by Col K P Singh from the National Disaster Management Authority met with state officials to study the increasing occurrence of natural disasters in the region, including cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. The disasters have caused significant human and economic losses, with at least 77 fatalities and damage amounts exceeding Rs 1,382 crore.

The multi-disciplinary Central team aims to uncover the principal causes of these disasters and suggest evidence-based solutions. The team's findings will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.

(With inputs from agencies.)