Entire Himachal declared 'disaster-hit', till when will it remain in force, will the central government give additional money now?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Floods and rains continue to wreak havoc across the country from mountains to plains. Himachal Pradesh is facing continuous devastation. In view of the serious situation of the disaster, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the Assembly on Monday that the entire Himachal Pradesh has been declared 'disaster-hit' and relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing. The CM said that as long as the rain continues, Himachal will remain a disaster-affected state. This order will be withdrawn when the weather becomes normal. 

What happens in a disaster declared state?

In the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the Sukhu government has issued instructions to declare the area as a disaster area and implement the Disaster Act. Let us tell you that the central government provides financial help when any state is declared disaster affected. During this time, apart from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), additional packages can also be received from the center and the affected people are also given immediate relief material, compensation, temporary shelter and health facilities. Special schemes are run for the restoration of basic facilities like houses, roads, bridges, electricity and water. Apart from this, the government can register a case against people under the Disaster Management Act for spreading rumors.

10 thousand devotees travelling to Mani Mahesh were rescued

Sukhu, in a statement on his behalf in the House, said that out of 15,000 pilgrims stranded on the way to Manimahesh Yatra in Chamba district, 10,000 pilgrims were evacuated safely and the situation was being monitored. The CM said, “Losses due to cloudburst, flash floods and landslides are estimated to be Rs 3,560 crore. Roads, bridges, water and power supply systems have suffered the most damage. I have conducted an aerial survey (of disaster-hit areas).”

Work on opening the Kullu-Mandi National Highway continues

Sukhu said that 25 km long stretch of Chamba-Bharmour National Highway and Chamba-Saluni-Padri-Jot road has been opened and Mani Mahesh pilgrims from Jammu and Srinagar are being sent through this route. Sukhu also said that he is discussing relief and rescue operations with Chamba district administration. Giving details of the operations, Sukhu said that work is going on to open Kullu-Mandi National Highway while fruits and vegetables of farmers stranded on the roads are being sent from Kullu.

What else did the CM say?

The chief minister said power supply has been restored in most places, telecom links have been restored across Kullu district while mobile network is being restored in tribal Lahaul-Spiti district. Sukhu also said Indian Air Force helicopters dropped ration in Keylong while five patients, including a child and a pregnant woman, were airlifted for treatment. He said the Lahaul-Rohtang-Manali road has been opened and cooked food, dry ration, blankets and sleeping bags are being distributed to the affected people.

Read More: The largest drone exercise will begin next month, Air Marshal Rakesh Sinha explained its importance.