CM Sukhu Urges Union Home Minister to Visit Disaster-Hit Himachal; Assures Relief Package and Legal Action on Apple Tree Axing Issue.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the disaster-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh to personally assess the extensive damage caused by the recent monsoon-triggered calamities. Addressing media persons in Shimla today, the Chief Minister announced that the State Government would soon unveil a special relief package for affected families, following consultations with the Cabinet.
Highlighting the scale of destruction, CM Sukhu stated that Himachal Pradesh, with its limited financial resources, cannot adequately compensate for the losses without substantial support from the Union Government. “We have sought a special relief package from the Centre to ensure effective rehabilitation of families who have lost homes, agricultural land, and livelihoods,” said Sukhu. “With the monsoon season just beginning, we must remain vigilant and prepared for further challenges,” he added.
The Chief Minister also shared that Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has assured the state of a sympathetic review of its demands. Sukhu emphasized that the focus should remain on aiding the disaster-hit population rather than claiming political credit. “We are ready to work with anyone under J.P. Nadda’s leadership for the welfare of the people,” he said.
During his recent visit to New Delhi, CM Sukhu met several Union Ministers and raised multiple pressing concerns. These included a request under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) to allot five bighas of land per family for rehabilitation purposes. He confirmed that Home Minister Amit Shah had assured a visit to the affected areas shortly.
On a separate but critical issue, Sukhu addressed concerns regarding the axing of fruit-bearing apple trees. He expressed the State Government’s stance that cutting down these trees was inappropriate and that the High Court should provide ample time to allow auctioning of the apple produce. A meeting with the Horticulture Minister and senior officials has been planned to explore all legal options.
CM Sukhu also met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, urging faster execution of vital infrastructure projects. He specifically called for the expedited construction of the Bhubhu Jot tunnel and highlighted the collapsed building incident in Dhalli, for which Gadkari has assured compensation to the affected family.
In terms of road infrastructure, the CM pushed for tunneling in the Shimla-Shalaghat segment of the Shimla-Mataur four-lane project and requested accelerated progress on the Nalagarh-Pinjore and Nalagarh-Gara Maur road projects. He also appealed for the extension of the Dhalli-Sainj four-lane up to Rampur.
Additionally, Sukhu met Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, urging him to consider the unique geographical and fiscal challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh while framing recommendations.
As the state continues to reel under the impact of natural disasters, the Chief Minister’s proactive engagement with the Centre and commitment to relief efforts reflect the urgency of the situation and the government’s resolve to safeguard the interests of its people.
