What Did the Dalai Lama Announce for Himachal’s Relief and Rehabilitation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dalai Lama expresses condolences and offers financial support for Himachal Pradesh.
- PM Modi visits the affected areas and announces Rs 1,500 crore in aid.
- The community is encouraged to unite and support those in distress.
- Immediate relief efforts are underway to assist victims.
- Long-term rehabilitation plans are essential for recovery.
Dharamsala, Sep 9 (NationPress) The Dalai Lama, the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, has reached out to Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu to convey his profound sorrow regarding the tragic loss of life and the extensive destruction of property and infrastructure across various regions of the state, resulting from torrential monsoon rains. He has also declared a donation aimed at supporting relief and rehabilitation initiatives.
In his message, he stated, “I wish to extend my heartfelt prayers and condolences to you, the families mourning their loved ones, and all those impacted by this devastating natural calamity.”
Furthermore, he acknowledged that the state government and relevant agencies are actively involved in immediate relief and rehabilitation operations. As a gesture of his solidarity with the residents of the state, he has instructed the Dalai Lama Trust to contribute a donation towards these efforts.
He expressed, “Dharamsala has been my residence for over 65 years. I often refer to the Chief Minister as ‘our Chief Minister’. I am deeply grateful for the warmth and generosity that the people of Himachal Pradesh have extended to me and my fellow Tibetans over the years.”
His Holiness concluded his letter with prayers and best wishes for the recovery of the affected individuals.
In a related development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the disaster-stricken Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday to assess the situation and the damages caused by cloudbursts, heavy rains, and landslides. He announced a financial aid package of Rs 1,500 crore for the state.
Additionally, PM Modi declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those with serious injuries resulting from the floods and other natural disasters.
The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions.
Later, he held an official meeting at the Gaggal airport, near Dharamsala, to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts, as well as to evaluate the damage sustained in Himachal Pradesh.