Shimla, Sept 1,
Himachal Pradesh Government on Monday declared the entire state as “disaster affected†under Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act, following widespread devastation caused by incessant monsoon rains, landslides and cloudbursts since June 20.Â
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made a suo moto statement in the State Assembly highlighting the gravity of the situation, stating that the cumulative loss has crossed Rs 3,056 Cr. with maximum damage reported to roads, power infrastructure and drinking water schemes in Chamba, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur and Kinnaur districts.
The Chief Minister said that the state has been carrying out relief and rescue operations on a war footing, with over 10,000 pilgrims and residents evacuated, including 5,067 devotees of the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba, who were transported free of cost in HRTC buses. He confirmed that 16 pilgrims had lost their lives, including four in Kugti, while arrangements for food, ration, medical aid and rehabilitation have been ensured. Chief Minister stated that four youths died at Kugti pass due to hypothermia and low oxygen being reached out by the disaster teams .
 “ The government has deployed 40 NDRF and 40 SDRF personnel, along with local mountaineering teams from Manali, to assist in rescue operations and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi is continuously camping in Bharmour and has even trekked on foot to the worst-hit areas, setting new records of ground-level work,†the CM told the House. PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh and other senior officials are also supervising the operations.
In Kullu district, transport services remain paralysed with major stretches of roads washed away. NHAI Chairman himself reviewed the damage, and efforts are on to restore connectivity, including the Malana Pulh for small vehicles. Tharot Powerhouses are generating power again after recent damage to the plant and mobile networks have also started resuming operations in Chamba and Kullu. Including Lahaul-Spiti, displaced families are being sheltered in homestays, panchayat ghars and schools in the affected areas in the state.
The Chief Minister also read out a letter from former CM Shanta Kumar, who urged the Union Government to sanction Rs 20,000 crore special package for Himachal Pradesh. He also suggested that unclaimed funds worth Rs 2 lakh crore lying with the Centre unclaimed account should be utilised for disaster relief. “We fully support Shanta Kumar’s suggestion and a resolution to this effect has been passed in the Assembly,†Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania informed.
Responding to Opposition concerns about the number of people affected during the Manimahesh Yatra, the CM reiterated that while thousands were evacuated safely, some casualties did occur. “Our government has been transparent, and every effort is being made to trace the missing pilgrims,†he said.
The Chief Minister added that deputy commissioners have now been empowered to declare disaster-affected areas within their jurisdiction, ensuring faster response at the local level.
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