PM Narendra Modi Conducts Aerial Survey of Flood-Hit Himachal Pradesh, Announces Rs. 1500 Crore Relief Package.
Kangra:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the flood and landslide-affected regions of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday to assess the extent of damage caused by incessant rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods during the monsoon season. The visit included an aerial survey of the most severely impacted areas, followed by a high-level review meeting held in Kangra.
During the meeting, PM Modi announced a comprehensive financial assistance package of Rs. 1500 crore for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the state. He also declared an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the disaster and Rs. 50,000 for the seriously injured.
The Prime Minister emphasized a multi-dimensional restoration strategy, calling for simultaneous efforts in infrastructure repair, housing reconstruction, agricultural support, and education continuity. Key initiatives announced include:
- Reconstruction of homes under PM Awas Yojana, with geotagging of damaged houses for precise assessment and quicker aid.
- Restoration of national highways and critical road infrastructure.
- Special aid for farmers, especially those lacking electricity connections, to resume agricultural activities.
- School infrastructure repair with geotagging for quick assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Water harvesting initiatives, including construction of recharge structures to improve groundwater management.
- Advance release of SDRF instalments and benefits under PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi for affected farmers.
PM Modi also met with families devastated by the disaster and offered his heartfelt condolences. He assured them that the Union Government stands firmly with the people of Himachal Pradesh and will extend all possible assistance in this time of crisis.
He also met personnel from NDRF, SDRF, Army, and Aapda Mitra volunteers, and appreciated their tireless service in rescue and relief operations.
The Prime Minister announced that children orphaned due to the calamity will be provided comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme, ensuring their long-term care and welfare.
PM Modi affirmed that Inter-Ministerial Central Teams have already been deployed to assess the damage and that further assistance will be considered based on their reports and the state’s memorandum. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Himachal Pradesh Government to restore normalcy and rebuild lives.
