Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Saturday to discuss critical issues concerning the state, particularly financial assistance for the devastation caused by the unprecedented monsoon rains of 2023.
During the meeting, CM Sukhu highlighted the extensive damage suffered by Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rainfall, which severely impacted essential infrastructure, including drinking water and irrigation facilities, roads, and bridges.
He informed the Home Minister that the state government had submitted a request for financial aid under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework but was still awaiting the relief package from the Central Government.
The Chief Minister emphasised that, despite the significant losses, the state administration had managed relief and rehabilitation efforts using its own limited resources. However, he stressed the urgent need for Central assistance to expedite the recovery process and ensure the restoration of critical public infrastructure.
Apart from the disaster relief funds, CM Sukhu also raised various other issues concerning the state’s development and sought the Centre’s intervention in resolving key matters.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured CM Sukhu of all possible assistance, stating that the government would look into the state’s concerns and take appropriate action.
The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary and Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma, who accompanied the Chief Minister to present technical details regarding the state’s financial requirements and the extent of damages incurred.
Himachal Pradesh was one of the worst-hit states during the 2023 monsoon season, witnessing heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides, leading to loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. The state government has been persistently requesting financial aid from the Centre to bolster reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
With the Union Home Minister’s assurance of assistance, Himachal Pradesh now awaits a positive response from the Centre regarding the release of pending disaster relief funds. The state government remains hopeful that the much-needed financial aid will be approved soon to aid in its recovery and rebuilding efforts.
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