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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh's minister Jagat Negi has sharply criticized the central government's relief package as insufficient. The state estimates total losses from this year's devastating monsoon at ₹4,500 crore. Despite ongoing restoration work, hundreds of roads and critical infrastructure remain damaged or non-functional. The minister is calling for revised disaster relief norms that account for the unique challenges faced by hilly states.

Key Points: Himachal Minister Negi Slams Modi Relief as Too Little After Floods

  • 583 link roads and 3 national highways remain closed after devastating floods
  • 380 people have died including 215 from monsoon-related incidents
  • 806 electricity transformers and 364 water supply schemes are non-functional
  • Road rebuilding costs 20-30 times more in mountains than plains
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Himachal Min says restoration ongoing, pegs losses at ₹4,500 cr; calls PM's ₹1,500 cr relief 'too little'

Himachal Minister Jagat Negi says PM Modi's ₹1,500 crore relief is inadequate against ₹4,500 crore flood losses, with roads still blocked and 380 dead.

"The ₹1,500 crore that the Prime Minister has announced is far too little. This is a massive tragedy. - Jagat Singh Negi"

Shimla, September 12

The Revenue, Tribal Development, and Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi on Friday said that despite continuous restoration work after this year's devastating monsoon and floods, several roads and public utilities remain disrupted.

He pegged the total losses so far at ₹4,500 crore, while terming the ₹1,500-crore relief announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "too little."

"The rains and floods are continuing in the state. Roads are still blocked, and restoration is being carried out on a war footing," Negi told ANI.

According to the minister, 583 link roads and three national highways are still closed, while around 806 electricity distribution transformers (DTRs) and nearly 364 water supply schemes remain non-functional.

"Because of the monsoon and heavy rains, 215 people have lost their lives. Another 165 died in road accidents, taking the total toll to 380." He added that wherever necessary, rescue operations were conducted. "In the Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba and in Lahaul-Spiti, where tourists were stranded due to blocked roads, they were rescued and sent to their destinations," Negi said.

Negi underlined that while small vehicles can pass in some restored areas, heavy vehicle movement remains restricted at many points.

"Till now, the state has suffered losses worth ₹4,500 crore," the minister said, adding that rebuilding road connectivity in the hills requires much higher expenditure than in the plains.

"The ₹1,500 crore that the Prime Minister has announced is far too little. This is a massive tragedy. Road construction in the mountains costs 20 to 30 times more compared to the plains because of the difficult cutting and terrain," Negi stressed.

He recalled that in 2010, central teams had assessed Himachal's disaster losses at ₹10,000 crore, after which the state eventually received only ₹2,000 crore, of which ₹500 crore had to be borne by the state. "Now again, only ₹1,500 crore has been announced. That too is tied to a scheme-specific, not untied. This is inadequate," he said, calling for a revision of disaster relief norms to account for the unique vulnerabilities of hilly states.

The minister said conditions remain precarious with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for rain. "The rains are still ongoing, and conditions have not yet normalised in many areas," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Having traveled through Himachal recently, I can confirm the roads are in terrible condition. ₹1500 crore is indeed too little when you see the scale of destruction. The center should reconsider and provide adequate support.
D
David E
While I understand the minister's concerns, relief funds need to be distributed across multiple disaster-affected states. Perhaps a phased approach would work better rather than expecting everything at once.
A
Ananya R
The point about mountain construction costs being 20-30 times higher is absolutely valid. Delhi politicians don't understand Himalayan terrain challenges. We need separate norms for hill states! 🙏
S
Sarah B
My heart goes out to all affected families. The immediate focus should be on restoring basic amenities - water supply and electricity. Tourists should avoid traveling there until situation improves.
V
Vikram M
This is not the time for politics. Both state and center need to work together. The people of Himachal are suffering and they need immediate help, not blame games.
K
Kavya N
The 2010 example says it all - assessed ₹10,000 crore but got only ₹2,000 crore. History repeating itself. Hill states need better representation in disaster management planning.

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