Shimla, July 28,
In response to the widespread damage caused by heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides across Himachal Pradesh this monsoon, the state Cabinet on Monday approved what is being seen as one of the most comprehensive enhancements in disaster relief compensation in recent years.
Chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Cabinet cleared a proposal to significantly raise financial assistance across multiple sectors—housing, livestock, agriculture, and small businesses—aimed at supporting families affected by natural calamities.
The compensation for fully damaged residential structures has been raised from Rs 1.30 lakh to rs 7 lakh, while partially damaged homes will now receive ₹Rs 1 lakh, up from Rs 12,500. Assistance for shop and dhaba owners has been increased tenfold—from Rs 10,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
Similarly, cattle shed owners will now receive Rs 50,000 (previously Rs 10,000), while tenants who lost household belongings will be entitled to Rs 50,000. House owners will receive Rs 70,000 for similar losses. Compensation for livestock loss has also been revised: Rs 55,000 for large milch animals (up from Rs 37,500) and ₹Rs 9,000 per small animal like sheep, goats, pigs, and lambs (up from Rs 4,000).
In the agriculture and horticulture sectors, compensation for land damage has been raised from Rs 3,900 to Rs 10,000 per bigha. Relief for de-silting has gone up from ₹Rs 1,500 to Rs 6,000 per bigha, and crop loss aid from Rs 500 to Rs 3,000 per bigha. Owners of fully damaged poly-houses will receive Rs 25,000, and an additional Rs 50,000 has been earmarked for de-silting of homes.
Officials presented a detailed assessment of the damage during the Cabinet meeting, outlining the scale of the crisis and the government’s ongoing response. The Cabinet expressed condolences to families who have lost loved ones and appreciated the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, State Police, Home Guards, NGOs, and local residents in relief and rescue operations.
The meeting also noted a recent incident in Seraj, Mandi, involving Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Allegations of misbehavior during his visit, including purported disrespect to the national flag, were condemned by the Cabinet, which called for maintaining civility during times of collective hardship.
Citizens were urged to contribute voluntarily to the Aapda Rahat Kosh (Disaster Relief Fund) to support rehabilitation efforts.
While the relief measures have been widely welcomed for their scale, their implementation on the ground will be closely watched as affected families begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
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