Himachal Pradesh has suffered massive devastation during this year’s monsoon, with damages crossing Rs 5,000 crore, Principal Media Advisor to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Naresh Chauhan, said on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, Chauhan said the state endured relentless rains, cloudbursts, and landslides for three months, leaving 419 people dead.
“For three continuous months, the state has faced heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides, causing major tragedies. So far, 419 people have lost their lives, 236 in rain-related incidents and 183 in road accidents. Our deepest condolences are with the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.
Chauhan also criticised MP Kangana Ranaut’s absence from her constituency during the crisis, calling the BJP’s “actress experiment” a failure.
“It is unfortunate that during such a calamity, the elected representative is not among her people. She herself admitted in an interview that she believed being an MP required only 60 days of work. She is a celebrity, but she has failed to fulfil her responsibilities. The people of Mandi and even the BJP itself now realise that the experiment of fielding an actress has failed,” he remarked.
As per the State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA), 525 transformers have been disrupted, with Mandi district reporting the maximum (327). Across the state, 281 water supply schemes have been hit, 180 of them in Mandi alone.
Chauhan said the destruction has been widespread — more than 1,500 houses completely destroyed, 4,580 partially damaged, 6,300 cowsheds and 595 shops wiped out.
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“This is not a disaster in one place but across Himachal. Every day since June, new damage has been reported,” he noted. He emphasised that the state machinery has worked tirelessly to restore services.
“The Chief Minister has directed all deputy commissioners to restore power, water and roads without delay. Even if a disruption happens, within two days, services are brought back. Our officers and administration have worked relentlessly. Relief work is a long task, but the government is standing firmly with the people,” Chauhan said.
He urged BJP leaders to stop playing politics and stand with the government and people. “This is not a time for politics. The BJP leaders in Himachal must understand the gravity of the disaster. This calamity has affected 75 lakh people. Relief from the Government of India is our right in a federal system. Instead of claiming credit for schemes, BJP leaders should stand with the state government and the people in this hour of need,” he stated.
Chauhan also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit and announcement of Rs 1,500 crore assistance. “The Prime Minister announced Rs 1,500 crore assistance. We want clarity on whether this will be given as a special grant to the Himachal government or through scheme-based allocation. No notification has been issued yet,” he said.
Highlighting Sukhu’s efforts, Chauhan said the CM has toured every affected district since June 30, when Mandi first suffered heavy damage. “Fifteen thousand people stranded during the Manimahesh Yatra were safely evacuated because of the government's efforts. Restoration of drinking water schemes, roads and electricity is being done continuously from our own resources,” he said.
He also underlined key policy changes brought by the state government. “We have revised the state disaster manual. Earlier, if someone's house collapsed, they got only Rs 1.2 lakh compensation. Now we are giving Rs 7.7 lakh. Other compensations have also been increased nearly 200 times. This is the Chief Minister's vision to ensure real relief to people,” he explained.
Chauhan further urged the Centre to amend the Forest Conservation Act so that land could be allotted to families who lost homes.
"Entire villages have been wiped out. This is not merely about money but about rehabilitation. The Centre must play its role," he added.
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