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Immediate Assistance for Rain-Affected Regions

Shimla: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared an immediate financial aid of ₹1,500 crore for the state of Himachal Pradesh, which has been severely impacted by recent rains.

After assessing the situation caused by floods and landslides, Modi also announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.

He began his visit with an aerial survey of the affected regions before convening a meeting in Kangra to evaluate the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts and to gauge the extent of the damage.

During the meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, BJP officials, and local families involved in rescue operations, Modi promised comprehensive support for restoring and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure.

The ₹1,500 crore assistance will serve as an advance payment from the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Modi emphasized the need for a holistic approach to help the region recover, which includes rebuilding homes through the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, and providing relief through the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), along with distributing mini kits for livestock.

To facilitate uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, ensuring timely support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Additionally, the construction of recharge structures for rainwater harvesting will be initiated to enhance groundwater levels and improve water management.

The central government has dispatched inter-ministerial teams to Himachal Pradesh to evaluate the damage, and further assistance will be determined based on their comprehensive report.

Modi also took the time to meet with families affected by the disaster, expressing his condolences and sorrow for their losses.

He assured that the Centre will collaborate closely with the Himachal Pradesh government during this challenging period and provide all necessary support.

He noted that all disaster management protocols are being activated, including advance payments to the states, and commended the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Army, state administration, and other organizations involved in the relief operations.

The central government will continue to assess the situation based on the state's memorandum and the reports from the central teams, he added.

Modi recognized the seriousness of the crisis and assured that the Centre is committed to addressing the situation effectively.