Shimla, Oct. 1 -- The Himachal Pradesh government has estimated losses of around Rs 3,200 crore due to monsoon-related disasters, including flash floods, landslides and other calamities, and sought revised relief norms from the Centre.
In a memorandum submitted to a seven-member inter-ministerial team led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary M Ramachandrudu, the state urged greater assistance considering its distinct geographical and climatic conditions.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who met the team, highlighted the increasing impact of climate change and called for a scientific study into the rising incidence of cloudbursts. He said disaster relief criteria should reflect the specific challenges faced by hill states.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi sought increased central funding for preventive mitigation, saying post-disaster assistance alone could not address recurring landslides, flash floods and other risks. Negi said Himachal needed at least Rs 1,000 crore annually for mitigation works.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.