Rising Cloud Burst Incidents Demand Urgent Study: CM Sukhu at State Disaster Management Meet.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu raised a red flag over the increasing frequency of cloud bursts and their devastating impact during the 9th meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) held here today. Stressing that climate-related disasters pose some of the greatest challenges of the future, the Chief Minister called for urgent scientific study and coordinated efforts to mitigate the effects of such extreme weather events.
“Combating the adverse effects of climate change is not a choice but a pressing necessity,” said CM Sukhu while addressing the gathering. He noted that cloud burst incidents have been on the rise, with 19 such events recorded recently in the state, leading to significant loss of human life and property.
The Chief Minister expressed particular concern over the situation in Mandi and Shimla districts, which received 123% and 105% excess rainfall respectively in recent days. The resulting floods and landslides have wreaked havoc, prompting a robust response from state agencies. The issue of increasing cloud bursts was also raised with the Union Home Minister, he said.
Highlighting the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, CM Sukhu blamed unscientific muck dumping for compounding the damage during natural calamities. He called for the adoption of a scientific muck disposal mechanism to prevent future disasters. He also directed that all construction, whether private or public, be located at least 100 meters away from rivers and rivulets to avoid loss during flooding events.
To combat misinformation during crises, the Chief Minister emphasized that the SDMA should remain the sole authority to issue weather alerts and disaster updates. He urged the public to rely only on official sources for information.
On the institutional front, Sukhu announced the strengthening of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a new campus being set up at Palampur in Kangra district. In addition, the State Institute of Disaster Management will be established at Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Institute of Public Administration in Shimla, while Himachal Pradesh University will conduct focused research and development work on disaster mitigation and climate resilience.
Recognizing the heightened risk posed by glacial lakes, the Chief Minister ordered a comprehensive study on high-risk glacial zones. He also stressed the importance of involving local communities in awareness and preparedness efforts.
Reviewing last year’s devastating monsoon season, CM Sukhu revealed that Himachal Pradesh suffered major losses in 2023, affecting thousands of people. The state disbursed Rs. 1,260 crore for relief and rehabilitation across districts, with an additional Rs. 138 crore allocated under the mitigation fund.
He also mentioned that a Rs. 891 crore Disaster Risk Reduction project is currently underway and will be completed by March 2030. This initiative aims to strengthen the Himachal Pradesh SDMA and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), develop an early warning system, and support other mitigation measures to enhance disaster preparedness.
Top officials present at the meeting included Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Secretaries M. Sudha Devi and Dr. Abhishek Jain, ADGPs Satwant Atwal and Abhishek Trivedi, Special Secretary D.C. Rana, and several other senior officials.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating the state’s commitment to disaster readiness, climate adaptation, and safeguarding public lives and livelihoods against future calamities.
