Rare consensus in Himachal: Assembly resolution puts Centre on test over Disaster status
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Aug 22,
In a rare departure from partisan battles, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Friday spoke in one voice, unanimously passing a resolution urging the Centre to declare the entire hill state a “National Disaster-Affected Area.”
The motion, which originally applied only to disaster-hit parts of Seraj in Mandi district, was dramatically expanded after emotional appeals by legislators to cover all of Himachal. The 12-hour-long debate—one of the longest in recent Assembly history—saw over 40 MLAs share personal accounts of devastation and loss from their constituencies.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi underscored the scale of destruction with stark data: “Mandi recorded 94 percent excess rainfall this monsoon, while Shimla saw 69 percent above normal in July alone. This isn’t just climate change—it’s anthropogenic destruction that has intensified for 13 years through 14 specific factors.”
Negi defended the state’s response, citing enhanced compensation of ₹7 lakh for fatalities—higher than the NDRF’s norms—and invoked Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act to clear hurdles in relief operations. He also accused the previous government of inadequate preparedness, while recounting his own experience of leading overnight rescue missions behind JCBs in Lahaul-Spiti in 2023.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, reinforcing the demand, announced a policy decision to relax one bigha of forest land allotment for victims. He added that the resolution would be formally sent to the Union government.
The opposition BJP, which had walked out before Negi’s reply, continued to question delays in relief distribution. Yet, despite political barbs, the final resolution carried unanimous approval—a rare sight in a House often defined by sharp divisions.
Speaker Kuldeep Pathania captured the mood: “While Parliament debated issues for 37 hours in total, this Assembly spent 12 hours on one subject alone—disaster. That reflects our commitment to the suffering people.”
The united front in Shimla now puts the onus squarely on New Delhi. Whether the Centre responds by declaring Himachal a national disaster zone will be seen as a test of federal cooperation in the face of mounting climate-linked calamities.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
Highly commendable act of unity over sensitive issues.