CM Sukhu Seeks Special Relief Package from Centre, Raises Key Issues with PM Modi During Review Meeting in Kangra.
Kangra:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a special relief package and broader central assistance for Himachal Pradesh, citing the unprecedented losses suffered during the current monsoon season due to heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides.
The request was made during a high-level review meeting held at Kangra Airport, following PM Modi’s aerial survey of disaster-affected areas in the state. CM Sukhu welcomed and honoured the Prime Minister on his arrival, thanking him for personally visiting the affected regions and showing solidarity with the people of Himachal Pradesh.
CM Urges Urgent Central Support
In his briefing, Sukhu highlighted that while the state government is making every effort to assist affected families, the magnitude of destruction far exceeds the state’s limited resources. He urged the Union Government to provide urgent and enhanced support, including:
- A special relief package for Himachal Pradesh.
- Relaxation under the Forest Conservation Act to enable resettlement of displaced families, given that over 68% of Himachal’s land is under forest cover.
- An additional 2% borrowing limit to facilitate more effective relief and rehabilitation measures.
Call for Reforms in Disaster Norms and Hydropower Compensation
The Chief Minister raised concerns over inadequate central support for restoration of damaged public infrastructure, noting that restoring existing projects often costs more than building new ones, yet current disaster relief norms don’t reflect this reality.
He emphasized the need for the Centre to acknowledge post-flood losses in hydropower production, as many projects are shut for extended periods due to debris and damage. He urged for this unique challenge of hilly terrains to be taken into account in future disaster assistance frameworks.
Infrastructure, Power and Connectivity Demands
CM Sukhu also reiterated Himachal’s long-standing demands, including:
- Free royalty from hydropower generation.
- Transfer of CPSU-owned hydropower projects to the state after 40 years of operation.
- Expansion of Kangra Airport to boost regional connectivity.
- Construction of all-weather tunnels under NHAI projects and development of alternative mountain routes for year-round access.
- Fast-tracking the Bhubu Jot Tunnel Project, which will significantly benefit travel and tourism in the Kullu-Manali region.
The meeting was attended by several high-ranking dignitaries, including Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, MPs Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj and Kangana Ranaut, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Additional Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, and Secretary to CM Rakesh Kanwar.
CM Sukhu concluded by expressing gratitude to PM Modi for his on-ground review and personal engagement, calling it a reassuring gesture during one of the state’s worst natural calamities in recent years.
