What Financial Aid is CM Sukhu Offering for Disaster-Affected Regions in Himachal Pradesh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Sukhu announced a financial aid of Rs 7 crore.
- Funds will support the Public Works and Jal Shakti Departments.
- Residential complexes deemed unsafe will be classified as damaged.
- Temporary educational classes will be facilitated for affected students.
- A special relief package is forthcoming for all affected individuals.
Mandi, July 10 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, unveiled a financial assistance package of Rs 7 crore aimed at supporting areas impacted by recent disasters.
Following a thorough evaluation of the devastation inflicted by last week's cloudbursts, CM Sukhu indicated that a special relief scheme may soon be introduced by the state government.
He noted that Rs 2 crore had been allocated previously, with an additional Rs 2 crore earmarked for the Public Works Department and Jal Shakti Department, along with a Rs 1 crore contribution to the Block Development Office to expedite recovery efforts.
In Deji village, 11 individuals remain missing following the cloudburst, with two fatalities reported from Bara. Additionally, Syanj village has recorded four deaths and five people unaccounted for.
The Chief Minister extended his sympathies to the grieving families and engaged with residents at Pakhrar Panchayat Ghar, addressing their concerns while directing revenue officials to quickly assess the extent of losses.
He instructed that residential structures still burdened with mud or rocks, or those deemed unsafe, should be classified as entirely damaged to maximize compensation for the affected individuals. He also affirmed that the government would cover losses related to household items and livestock.
CM Sukhu emphasized the need to evaluate the damages incurred by horticulturists and apple growers.
The Cabinet is set to deliberate and announce a special relief initiative for all those impacted by this calamity.
He acknowledged the magnitude of the disaster and assured that rehabilitation efforts would take time, with the government committed to providing comprehensive support.
While visiting Bara village, the Chief Minister mentioned the possibility of implementing a one-time settlement strategy for relocating families affected by the disaster.
Given that 68 percent of the state's territory is forested, the government plans to seek authorization from the Central government for the resettlement of affected populations.
In a bid to ensure that students' education remains uninterrupted, CM Sukhu announced that temporary classes for the Forestry and Horticulture College in Thunag would be conducted in Sundernagar. He also reported that major roads have been restored, and efforts to rehabilitate village link roads are being pursued rapidly.
During his visit to the Thunag Rest House, NCC cadets assisting in relief operations met with the Chief Minister, who commended their dedication to aiding those in distress.
The cadet girls shared information regarding damage to their school, prompting CM Sukhu to pledge the establishment of a CBSE-affiliated school in Thunag.
The Chief Minister also interacted with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, acknowledging their unwavering commitment.
Brigadier Yajuvendra Singh from the Indian Army provided an update on the relief activities, noting that 26 Army personnel are currently stationed in the affected areas.