CM Sukhu Reviews Rs. 2,687 Crore HP-READY Project with World Bank Team: Major Push for Disaster Resilience in Himachal.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials of the World Bank to review progress on the Himachal Pradesh Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery (HP-READY) project. The project, a Rs. 2,687 crore initiative aimed at bolstering the state’s disaster preparedness and climate resilience, is slated for rollout in January 2026.
Highlighting the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with the intensifying impacts of climate change, which have resulted in severe loss of lives and widespread damage to critical infrastructure across the state. “Frequent natural disasters have forced the state to divert significant resources toward restoring damaged infrastructure. It is imperative that we now shift focus from reaction to resilience,” he said.
In collaboration with the World Bank, the State Government has identified several priority sectors under the HP-READY mission. These include restoration of disaster-damaged infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings, enhancement of early warning systems, and channelization of rivulets to prevent flooding.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the project not only aims to recover from damages sustained between 2023 and 2025 but also to build a long-term foundation of climate-resilient development. He said that the HP-READY initiative will also support livelihood creation through the development of “Green Panchayats”, and will strengthen social safety nets through risk-informed insurance mechanisms.
A key highlight of the project is the establishment of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores at 10 strategic locations across the state. These modern storage facilities will enable farmers and horticulturists to preserve their produce, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring income stability during disasters.
“This project is a forward-looking mission to secure our economy, our infrastructure, and the lives of our people,” said CM Sukhu, adding that special attention would be given to infrastructure that supports the agricultural and horticultural sectors — the backbone of the state’s rural economy.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) KK Pant, Special Secretary DC Rana, and the World Bank’s project team led by Anoop Karanth. Disaster management specialists Vijay and Sheena Arora were also present during the detailed review session.
The HP-READY project is expected to set a new benchmark in climate resilience and disaster management in mountainous regions, placing Himachal Pradesh at the forefront of sustainable development planning in India.
