Shimla, 16 July 2024 - Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi yesterday, asking for swift release of Rs. 9,042 crore for disaster relief.
Last year’s heavy monsoon rains led to devastating floods and landslides, and with this year’s monsoon already underway, the funds are urgently needed.
Sukhu also highlighted the need for Rs. 61.07 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund from the 2019-20 financial year and reminded Shah that Himachal Pradesh is entitled to Rs. 200 crore for managing landslides and earthquakes from 2021-26, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.
Additionally, he sought a speedy release of Rs. 60.10 crore from the NDRF and approval for a Rs. 125.84 crore project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of setting up NDRF campuses in Mandi, Rampur, and Nalagar.
HE urged action against unauthorized land encroachments along the inter-state boundary between Lahaul Spiti and Ladakh.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Finance Devesh Kumar, Chief Minister's Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, and Resident Commissioner Meera Mohanty.
