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Key Points

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly achieved rare political unity by passing a resolution urging the Centre to declare the state's monsoon devastation a national calamity. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania emphasized the need for separate policies for hill states to balance development with environmental concerns. Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri confirmed extensive damage to infrastructure while assuring that rescue operations are underway for thousands of stranded pilgrims. The state government has deployed multiple helicopters and is coordinating with NHAI to restore essential connectivity in the affected regions.

Key Points: Himachal Assembly Urges National Calamity Status for Flood Damage

  • Assembly seeks national calamity status for monsoon destruction
  • 7,000-8,000 pilgrims stranded in Manimahesh rescue operations
  • Four helicopters deployed for relief in Chamba and Kullu
  • Roads severely damaged across Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts
2 min read

Himachal Assembly passes resolution urging Centre to declare rain, flood damage as national calamity

Himachal Assembly passes unanimous resolution seeking national calamity declaration for monsoon devastation. BJP supports relief package demand for flood-ravaged hill state.

"Hill states face unique challenges; a separate policy must be framed to ensure harmony between development and nature - Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania"

Shimla, August 28

Himachal Pradesh, battered by incessant monsoon rains, witnessed rare political unanimity on Wednesday when the State Assembly passed a resolution under Rule 102, urging the Union Government to declare the ongoing rain and flood-induced destruction as a national calamity and to sanction a special relief package for the hill state. The Opposition BJP supported the resolution without dissent.

Presiding over the House, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania convened a high-level meeting inside the Assembly premises with senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and state government departments to review road restoration efforts and coordination in ongoing relief operations.

"Hill states face unique challenges; a separate policy must be framed to ensure harmony between development and nature," Speaker Pathania said, noting that his home district, Chamba, had suffered extensive losses. "About 7,000 to 8,000 pilgrims are stranded in Manimahesh. The administration is engaged in full-scale rescue and relief operations. I will also visit the ground situation tomorrow," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the Assembly that heavy rainfall had severely damaged roads in Chamba, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti, while disrupting electricity, water supply, and mobile connectivity.

"The situation is under control. People should not panic or believe in rumours. Over 3,000 pilgrims on the Manimahesh Yatra have already been rescued," Agnihotri said, cautioning that adverse weather might delay helicopter sorties.

"Four helicopters are stationed in Chamba, with additional helicopters deployed in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti for relief and rescue. If necessary, the Army will be called in," he said. He also criticised Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut for tweeting incorrect information during the crisis, saying, "People in such responsible positions should avoid spreading misinformation."

According to officials, nearly 8,000 pilgrims were stranded in various locations along the Manimahesh Yatra route due to landslides and flash floods, with evacuation efforts continuing under challenging weather conditions. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has left for Chamba to oversee relief operations.

The Speaker also directed the NHAI to ensure the proper maintenance of national highways and to expedite four-lane works without compromising safety in fragile hill terrain.

State authorities said rescue, restoration of roads, and reinstatement of essential services remain their top priorities as they aim to normalise the situation at the earliest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The situation sounds really scary! 8000 pilgrims stranded? My cousin was supposed to go for Manimahesh Yatra last week but postponed due to weather warnings. Thank God he did! Hope everyone gets rescued safely 🚁
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Aman W
While I appreciate the rescue efforts, why do we wait for disasters to happen? Hill states need better infrastructure planning. Every monsoon we see the same story - landslides, blocked roads, stranded tourists. Prevention is better than cure!
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Sarah B
I was in Shimla last month and saw how fragile the mountains are. The four-lane highway construction is causing so many landslides. Development shouldn't come at the cost of environmental destruction. Speaker Pathania is right about needing separate policies for hill states.
K
Karthik V
Good that they're calling out misinformation! Celebrities and politicians should verify facts before tweeting during emergencies. Creates unnecessary panic when people are already stressed 😤
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Nisha Z
My family is from Chamba district and we've been without electricity for 3 days. Mobile network comes and goes. Relief operations are happening but remote villages are still cut off. Hope the national calamity declaration brings faster help to all affected areas.

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