Have requested Centre to look into reasons behind cloudbursts in Himachal: CM
Chief Minister Suhvinder Singh today said Himachal has urged Centre to look into the reasons for increasing number of cloudburst incidents in Himachal so that remedial measures could be taken.
Presiding over the International Disaster Reduction Day event, ‘Samarth-2024’ here today, the Chief Minister said climate change has led to an increase in the frequency of disasters, making it crucial to adapt to living with these challenges. He highlighted that awareness is the key to effectively facing disasters and minimizing the loss of life and property.
“At our own level also we are seeking advice of experts looking into all the reasons that could be contributing to catastrophe like cloudbursts. We have also written to the Centre to get this aspect examined,” he said.
Sukhu said that the state government is spending significant amounts of money to raise public awareness about disaster preparedness and has implemented several measures to mitigate the effects of disasters. “A Rs 800 crore project is being executed in collaboration with the French agency AFD, and Rs 500 crore is being spent from the mitigation fund,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced that a major State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) training institute will be established at Palampur and that the state is strengthening its infrastructure for better weather forecasting. “Himachal experienced its first major disaster in the year 1905, when an earthquake in Kangra district claimed over 20,000 lives. Large-scale devastation was witnessed last year during the monsoon season with over 500 lives lost and damages amounting to Rs 10,000 crore suffered by the state,” he said.
He said despite not receiving any assistance from the Central government, the state government has successfully rehabilitated 23,000 affected families and implemented a disaster relief package of Rs 4,500 crore.
“We have yet to receive the Rs 10,000 crore for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), although some progress has been made following my intervention. There should be no politics in such matters and full assistance must be provided to those affected,” he stated.
