Himachal BJP leaders meet Shah, discuss state's condition following rain-related disasters
The delegation included Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, State BJP chief Dr Rajeev Bindal, former Union minister and MP Anurag Thakur, Lok Sabha MP Suresh Kashyap, Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, actor-cum-MP Kangana Ranaut, Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami, Dr Sikander Kumar, Harsh Mahajan, MLAs Vinod Kumar, Hans Raj, and Deep Raj.
During the meeting, Nadda and the BJP leaders briefed Shah on the disaster situation in Himachal Pradesh and urged him to visit the disaster-affected areas. They also requested greater support for the rehabilitation of affected people and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
They expressed their gratitude on behalf of the people of Himachal Pradesh to the Union Home Minister, who extended full cooperation during the disaster relief and rescue operations. The NDRF, ITBP, Army, and Air Force helicopters were made available immediately. At their request, Shah dispatched an inter-ministerial central team within 20 days to assess the damage caused by the disaster. Responding to their demand for a study on the causes of the disaster, a high-level expert team was also constituted.
Nadda said that under the chairmanship of the Union Home Minister, a high-level committee had already approved a funding package of Rs 2,006.40 crore for Himachal Pradesh for rehabilitation and reconstruction in areas affected by floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in 2023. The first instalment of Rs 451.44 crore was released on July 7.
The Centre also provided all logistical support, including the deployment of national disaster response teams, army units, and air force personnel, to Himachal and other states as required. A total of 13 NDRF teams are currently deployed for rescue and relief work in Himachal.
Nadda further said that at the BJP's request, Shah had directed the formation of a multi-disciplinary central team in view of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Himachal.
Ranaut, in a post on X, also mentioned the neet, saying that the central government stands firmly with Himachal Pradesh in this hour of crisis.
'Expressing deep condolences, the minister (Shah) assured that all affected families will be provided with every possible assistance and prompt rehabilitation. The central government stands firmly with Himachal in this hour of crisis,' the MP wrote.
According to the news agency PTI, since the onset of the monsoon in Himachal Pradesh on June 22, at least 76 people have died and 34 have gone missing in rain-related incidents across the state.
The state has also experienced 40 flash floods, 23 cloudbursts and 25 landslides this monsoon season, resulting in losses of approximately Rs 1,247 crore, the State Emergency Operation Centre said.
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