Himachal CM promises package for disaster-hit families

Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced that a special relief package for families affected by recent disasters would be declared soon after discussions with the Cabinet. Speaking to the media after returning from Delhi, he said the state has limited resources and needs strong support from the Union government to compensate people who lost homes, farms, and livelihoods.

CM Sukhu said the state has requested a special relief package from the Centre. He added that the monsoon has just begun, so continued caution is necessary. During his Delhi visit, the Chief Minister met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who assured support for the state’s demands.

The CM also raised several key issues with Union Ministers, including a request under the Forest Rights Act to allot five bighas of land for rehabilitating affected families. He urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the disaster-hit areas, to which Shah responded positively.

Regarding the apple tree issue, Sukhu said cutting fruit-bearing trees is not ideal, and he hopes the High Court will give the government time to auction the produce. A meeting with the Horticulture Minister and senior officials will be held to discuss the matter further.

He also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to push for critical infrastructure projects like the Bhubhu Jot tunnel and extension of the Dhalli-Sainj four-lane to Rampur. Gadkari assured suitable compensation for families affected by the Dhalli building collapse.

CM Sukhu also met Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya and requested financial support, keeping the state’s challenges in mind.