Government Mulls One-Time Settlement Policy for Disaster-Affected Families: CM Sukhu. 

Rs. 7 Crore Relief Announced for Restoration Work; CM Visits Worst-Hit Villages in Seraj Constituency. 

Shimla:

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a major relief and rehabilitation push for the disaster-hit Seraj Assembly Constituency, stating that the government is considering a one-time settlement policy to resettle families who have lost their homes due to devastating cloudbursts and landslides.

On the second day of his visit to the affected region, the Chief Minister toured Thunag, Bagsiad, Deji, Bara, and Syanj villages, where the aftermath of the natural calamity continues to unfold. The CM personally reviewed the extent of damage and assured locals that the state government would extend every possible support to help them rebuild their lives.

Rs. 7 Crore Relief Announced for Immediate Restoration

Chief Minister Sukhu announced a relief package of Rs. 7 crore, of which Rs. 2 crore had already been released. He detailed that:

• An additional Rs. 2 crore each will be allocated to the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Jal Shakti Department to accelerate restoration of roads and water supply systems.
• Rs. 1 crore will be given to the Block Development Office for localized rehabilitation and community-level infrastructure rebuilding.

Missing and Dead in Villages; CM Offers Condolences

In a grim assessment of the human toll, the Chief Minister shared that:

• 11 people remain missing in Deji village.
• Two deaths have been reported in Bara and four in Syanj, where five individuals are still unaccounted for.
  CM Sukhu expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the peace of the departed souls.

Unsafe Homes to Be Declared Uninhabitable

While interacting with villagers at Pakhrar Panchayat Ghar, CM Sukhu instructed revenue officers to immediately assess all forms of damage, including household losses and livestock deaths. He emphasized that any residential buildings filled with debris or deemed unsafe must be declared completely damaged, making them eligible for maximum compensation under disaster relief norms.

Focus on Horticulture Losses and Special Package

Recognizing the economic blow to apple growers and horticulturists, the CM directed officials to conduct a special survey of orchard losses. He stated that the State Cabinet would soon announce a targeted relief package for affected farmers and families.

Settlement Policy in the Pipeline

At Bara, the Chief Minister revealed that the government is actively exploring a one-time settlement policy for displaced families. He noted that since 68% of Himachal Pradesh’s land is classified as forest, any permanent resettlement would require clearance from the Central Government to use forest land.
“We are committed to rehabilitating the displaced in safe zones, and discussions are underway at the highest level,” he assured.

Education, Roads, and Army Support

To ensure education is not disrupted, CM Sukhu announced that temporary classes of the Forestry and Horticulture College, Thunag, would be held at Sundernagar.
He informed that while major roads have been reopened, efforts to restore village link roads are ongoing on a war footing.

The CM also visited NCC cadets at the Thunag Rest House, applauding their dedication. When local schoolgirls shared their concerns about damage to their school, he announced plans to open a CBSE-affiliated school in Thunag.

Army, SDRF, and Volunteers Applauded

Chief Minister Sukhu commended the efforts of SDRF, NDRF, Police, Home Guards, and volunteers. He interacted with relief teams and Army Brigadier Yajuvendra Singh, who briefed him about the operations and confirmed that 26 army personnel are currently deployed in the region.

“We are grateful to every individual working on the ground — from our jawans to the local volunteers — for their tireless service during this crisis,” said the Chief Minister.

Leaders and Officials Present

Prominent figures accompanying the Chief Minister included APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Congress leaders Vijay Pal Singh, Jagdish Reddy, Jeevan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Lal Singh Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, and SP Sakshi Verma.