During PM Modi’s visit to flood-affected Himachal Pradesh, CM Sukhu urged the Centre to extend a special relief package and address pressing issues related to disaster recovery and state development.
Following the PM’s aerial survey of the flood-ravaged regions and a review meeting at Kangra Airport, the Chief Minister briefed him on the unprecedented damage caused by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides during the current monsoon season.
Key Requests Made by the Chief Minister:
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Special Central Relief Package: CM Sukhu emphasized that the State’s resources were insufficient to meet the scale of the calamity.
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Relaxation under the Forest Conservation Act: To allow resettlement of displaced families on forest land, given that 68% of the State’s land is forested.
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Increase in Borrowing Limit: Urged the Centre to allow an additional 2% borrowing to enhance relief efforts.
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Revision of Norms for Damaged Infrastructure: Highlighted that restoration of public infrastructure often costs more than new projects and current relief norms fall short.
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Recognition of Hydropower Losses: Requested the Centre to account for hydropower shutdown losses due to disasters, which are not currently covered.
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Royalty on Hydropower and Project Transfer: Reiterated the long-standing demand for free royalty and handover of CPSU-run hydro projects to the State after 40 years.
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Development Infrastructure Support: Sought Central backing for:
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Expansion of Kangra Airport
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Construction of all-weather tunnels under NHAI
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Development of alternative mountain routes
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Implementation of Bhubu Jot tunnel project to improve access to Kullu-Manali
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Sukhu thanked the Prime Minister for visiting the disaster-hit areas and taking time to assess the situation personally.
The review meeting was attended by 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, among other senior officials and dignitaries.
