NewKerala.com

Key Points

The monsoon devastation in Himachal Pradesh has caused estimated losses of Rs 5,500 crore with assessment still ongoing. Critical infrastructure remains severely affected including 135 blocked rural roads and disrupted water supply systems. While routine central funds have arrived, the special relief package announced by the Prime Minister remains pending. The state government has independently enhanced compensation, offering ₹7 lakh for completely destroyed houses to support affected families.

Key Points: Himachal Monsoon Disaster Loss Hits Rs 5500 Crore Says Negi

  • 135 rural roads and one national highway remain blocked across affected districts
  • 47 drinking water schemes yet to be restored disrupting water supply
  • Special central relief package announced by PM Modi still not released to state
  • State government enhancing compensation to ₹7 lakh for fully damaged houses
  • 17 distribution transformers non-functional affecting electricity services
  • Restoration work accelerated before winter season approaches
2 min read

Himachal's monsoon disaster loss reaches Rs 5,500 crores, says Minister Jagat Singh Negi

Himachal Pradesh minister reveals Rs 5,500 crore monsoon damage with 135 roads still blocked and central relief package pending despite state's enhanced compensation.

"The total loss during the monsoon disaster has reached approximately ₹5,500 crore, and the evaluation is still in progress - Jagat Singh Negi"

Shimla, October 4

The Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jagat Singh Negi, said on Saturday that the estimated losses from this year's monsoon disaster have climbed to around Rs 5,500 crore, with the assessment process still underway.

Speaking to reporters in Shimla, Negi stated that both public and private properties suffered extensive damage during the heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods that affected several parts of the state.

"The total loss during the monsoon disaster has reached approximately ₹5,500 crore, and the evaluation is still in progress. The Centre's team has also visited and conducted its own assessment," the minister stated.

He said the monsoon has now largely retreated, providing much-needed respite. "The weather has improved considerably, with bright sunshine now prevailing. According to the forecast, we had kept three districts on alert again, but there has been no significant rainfall in the past three days," he added.

Providing an update on infrastructure restoration, Negi informed that as of today, 135 rural roads remain blocked, along with one national highway, while 17 distribution transformers (DTRs) are still non-functional, disrupting electricity supply. Additionally, 47 drinking water schemes are yet to be restored.

The minister pointed out that although Himachal continues to receive routine central funds, the special package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after last year's devastation has not yet been released.

"The routine funds from the Centre have arrived; these come to every state regardless of disaster or not. But the special relief package announced by the Prime Minister has not yet been received," he clarified.

Negi also highlighted the state government's independent efforts to support disaster-affected families. In the recent Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu decided to extend and enhance the state's relief package that was launched after the 2023-24 monsoon disaster.

"Earlier, under the Centre's scheme, victims whose houses were completely damaged received ₹1.3 lakh. The state government increased that amount to ₹7 lakh from its own budget. We have decided to continue that package this year as well," Negi announced.

Under the revised policy, families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive ₹7 lakh, while those whose homes were partially damaged will get ₹1 lakh as compensation.

Negi said restoration work is ongoing across the state, with officials focusing on reconnecting rural areas and restoring essential services before winter sets in.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
₹5,500 crore loss is massive! Why is the central government delaying the special relief package? Himachal needs immediate assistance, especially with winter approaching. The state is doing its best, but without central support, recovery will be slow.
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David E
As someone who frequently visits Himachal for work, I've seen the beautiful landscapes being destroyed year after year. We need better disaster management infrastructure and early warning systems. Climate change is real and affecting our hill states severely.
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Ananya R
The state government increasing compensation from ₹1.3 lakh to ₹7 lakh shows they care about their people. But I'm worried about the 135 blocked rural roads and 47 drinking water schemes still not restored. Winter is coming and these areas will be cut off completely if not fixed soon.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the government's efforts, I have to respectfully point out that we see the same pattern every year - massive losses, delayed relief, and then the cycle repeats. We need long-term solutions and better urban planning in hilly areas to prevent such massive damage.
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Shreya B
My heart goes out to all the affected families 🙏 The compensation is good, but rebuilding lives takes more than money. Hope the government also provides psychological support and livelihood restoration programs. Tourism is the backbone of Himachal's economy and it's been hit hard.

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