Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu has urged the Central Government to assist in rehabilitating families displaced by recent natural disasters across the state. During a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, CM Sukhu requested approval to allocate at least one bigha of land per affected family, highlighting the difficulty in relocation due to 68% of the state being classified as forest area.
Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, addressing the press in Shimla, emphasized the CM’s additional appeal for permission to provide five bighas of land to small and marginal farmers, including orchardists, to ensure they can rebuild their livelihoods through agriculture.
Chauhan also addressed efforts by the state government to aid apple growers in transporting produce to markets. He urged farmers to prioritize quality, noting that the government is procuring surplus apples under the Market Intervention Scheme at ₹12 per kg through HPMC and other agencies.
Responding to Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur’s claims about an alleged lottery deal, Chauhan dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically driven. He challenged the opposition to present evidence and clarified that the state’s online lottery initiative was a Cabinet decision, similar to those operational in several BJP-ruled states.
On party matters, Chauhan informed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is currently reviewing the state government’s performance and overseeing the reorganization of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. He expressed optimism that a new state president and executive committee will soon be announced to strengthen coordination within the party.
95% Affected Water Supply Schemes Temporarily Restored: Deputy CM
