New Delhi
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given its approval for the release of Rs 200 crore as an advance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the government of Himachal Pradesh. This financial aid is intended to support the state’s relief efforts for the people affected by the monsoon disasters. The MHA spokesperson stated that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation in Himachal Pradesh and is providing necessary financial assistance and logistical support to ensure efficient handling of the crisis. As of now, 20 teams from the NDRF headquarters, nine Indian Army columns, and three Indian Air Force helicopter teams have been deployed in Himachal Pradesh to conduct rescue and relief operations, according to the MHA spokesperson. The central government has taken proactive steps to assess the situation and the relief efforts being carried out by the Himachal Pradesh government. Inter-ministerial central teams were sent to assess the situation on the ground, and they visited the affected areas from July 19 to 21 without waiting for a formal memorandum. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh had visited Delhi on Saturday and reported that the state had incurred losses worth Rs 10,000 crore due to the natural disasters. He estimated that it would take about a year to rebuild the state. Sukhu also mentioned the assistance received from other states, with Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh governments contributing Rs 15 crore and Rs 11 crore, respectively, for relief efforts. Himachal Pradesh faced natural disasters twice, first from July 7 to 11 and then from August 13 to 16, leading to significant challenges for the state’s residents and infrastructure.
