Shocking Rainfall Chaos: Chief Minister’s Plea to PM Modi! Is Himachal Pradesh Doomed?

Discover the urgent appeal from Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister to Prime Minister Modi as the state battles the aftermath of devastating rains. Is this the end for Himachal? Dive into the details now!

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to classify the recent calamity caused by heavy rainfall in the state as a national disaster. Sukhu, representing the only Congress-ruled state, attended a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for G20 leaders, where he discussed the situation.

In a post on Sunday, he shared that during his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the G20 Summit dinner, he emphasized the severe aftermath of torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh and called for special disaster relief assistance, stressing the urgency of the situation.

In an official statement, Sukhu reported to the prime minister the considerable damage sustained by the state during the monsoon season and requested that the rain-related occurrences be named a “national disaster.” He also asked the Union government for considerable help in aiding the state’s recovery and encouraged the introduction of a special relief package.

Sukhu had previously estimated losses of Rs 12,000 crore due to monsoon-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh. He has consistently pushed for the calamity to be declared a national disaster and for a special disaster package similar to those provided after the Kedarnath and Bhuj tragedies.

On September 4, the chief minister reiterated his demand, stating his intention to meet with Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah if necessary.

Earlier, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh had claimed losses amounting to Rs 6,700 crore until August 10 and had submitted a detailed report on the monsoon-related damage to the BJP-led Centre.

The state experienced two significant bouts of heavy rain this monsoon. The first, on July 9 and 10, resulted in extensive destruction in Mandi and Kullu districts. The second, on August 14 and 15, impacted Shimla and Solan districts, causing substantial damage to the capital city of Shimla.

As per the state emergency operation centre, there have been 418 casualties (265 in rain-related incidents and 153 in road accidents) since the onset of the monsoon on June 24 until September 9, with 39 individuals still missing. The state has incurred losses totalling Rs 8,678 crore, with ongoing assessments adding to this figure.