HP CM urges release of Rs. 9,042 Crore from Centre for Disaster Management.
Shimla:
Today, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to advocate for expedited financial assistance to address Himachal Pradesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Highlighting the state’s recent challenges with flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains last year, the Chief Minister urged the release of Rs. 9,042 crore as recommended by a central assessment team.
“The pending funds are crucial for effective disaster management, especially as this year’s monsoon has already begun,” stated Chief Minister Sukhu during the meeting. He also emphasized the state’s entitlement under the 15th Finance Commission, amounting to Rs. 200 crore for landslide and earthquake management from 2021 to 2026.
Additionally, Chief Minister Sukhu appealed for the swift disbursement of Rs. 61.07 crore allocated under the State Disaster Response Fund for the financial year 2019-20, as well as the release of Rs. 60.10 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Furthering his plea for proactive disaster preparedness, the Chief Minister sought quick approval of a detailed project worth Rs. 125.84 crore under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund. He also stressed the need for establishing NDRF campuses in Himachal Pradesh, with construction work slated to begin in Mandi, Rampur, and Nalagarh.
Moreover, Chief Minister Sukhu raised concerns regarding unauthorized possession of state government land along the inter-state boundary between Lahaul Spiti and Ladakh, specifically at Sarchu and Shinkula, urging appropriate action.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Chief Minister’s Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty.
