An Inter-Ministerial Central Team led by M. Ramachandrudu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, met Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Shimla to discuss the damage caused by natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon season.
The central team had visited several disaster-affected areas of the state in September to assess the extent of damage caused by heavy rains and other natural calamities.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu held detailed discussions with the team regarding the recurring natural disasters witnessed in the state during the monsoon. He said the effects of climate change were increasingly visible in Himachal Pradesh and stressed the need for a scientific study into the rising incidents of cloudbursts in the state.
The Chief Minister also called for a review of the existing criteria for release of disaster relief funds by the Centre, pointing out that the geographical and climatic conditions of Himalayan states are significantly different from those of the plains. He emphasised the need for relief and compensation mechanisms that take into account the unique challenges faced by mountain states.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s ecological importance, Chief Minister Sukhu said the state plays a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of northern India and in providing clean air to the region. He also stressed the need to promote greater use of tunnels in highway development projects, particularly in the hilly terrain, to minimise environmental and geological disturbance.
The Chief Minister’s discussion with the central team focused on strengthening disaster preparedness, improving relief mechanisms and developing infrastructure suited to the fragile Himalayan landscape.
Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Director in the Ministry of Jal Shakti Prakash Chand, Director in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Dr. Subhash Chandra, Director in the Ministry of Rural Development Ramavatar Meena, Director and Special Secretary, Disaster Management, Pushpender Rana, along with other members of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team and senior officers of the state government, were present at the meeting.
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