Former CM Jairam Thakur Meets PM Modi, Seeks Area-Specific Relief Package for Himachal Disaster Victims.
New Delhi:
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday morning to brief him on the extensive damage caused by recent natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh, particularly in the assembly constituencies of Seraj, Karsog, Nachan, and Dharampur in Mandi district.
During the meeting, Jairam Thakur informed the Prime Minister that the state has suffered over Rs. 1,200 crore in losses, with the Seraj constituency alone accounting for more than Rs. 1,000 crore. He emphasized that during the night of June 30, 42 lives were lost in the Seraj, Karsog, and Nachan regions — with 29 deaths reported from Seraj alone. More than 500 homes were completely washed away, and over 1,000 houses have been rendered uninhabitable.
Thakur urged the Prime Minister to provide an area-specific relief and rehabilitation package, tailored to the unique needs of the most severely affected regions. He also requested relaxation under the Forest Conservation Act, citing the urgent need to resettle displaced families who have not only lost their homes but also the land they once lived on.
“People have no land left to rebuild. We have requested the Centre to allow land allocation in forest areas so victims can be resettled in safe zones,” Thakur stated. He also appealed for a scientific study into the recurring natural disasters in the state to understand their causes and mitigate future risks.
The Prime Minister reportedly listened attentively, assured full cooperation for reconstruction and rehabilitation, and promised that the Central Government will extend all possible help.
Thakur expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the support provided during the immediate relief and rescue operations and hoped for prompt action on his requests.
