SHIMLA: In the wake of unprecedented destruction caused by extremely heavy rains, cloud bursts, flash floods, the whole of Himachal Pradesh has been designated as “Natural Calamity -Affected Area" by the state government.
The move comes as civil society groups and many political entities rally to support the state government efforts to rehabilitate thousands of shattered families, who have lost over 330 precious human lives and 12000 houses so far, and rebuild infrastructure worth in excess of Rs 10,000 Crore".
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh said the state has suffered enormous loss of over Rs. 10000 crore. Immense damage has been caused to the roads, including the National Highways and rural roads and numerous water and power supply schemes were badly hit, besides agriculture and horticulture sectors have also suffered huge losses, he added.
CM has urged Central government to release liberal aid to the Himachal to rebind the calamity-shattered state.
Principal Secretary of Revenue for Himachal Pradesh, Onkar Sharma issued notification here on August 18 today.
He revealed that the "whole of Himachal Pradesh has been declared as “Natural Calamity Affected Area”.
"This is for a comprehensive assessment of damage and loss to property, livestock, structures, infrastructure, and crops will be conducted by respective district and departmental authorities".
The state, reeling under the incessant rains, clout bursts, flash floods, witnessed massive loss of life and damage to private and government property.
After complete assessment of all losses, all districts will submit reports to government for recovery and restoration, notification stated.
Though the opposition BJP and ruling Congress have been targeting each other over the flow of funds from the Centre, but the fact remains Himachal needs many times more than what it is getting, in "excess of Rs 10,000 Crore to rebuild its lost infrastructure and shattered families".
The government's decision aims to pave the way for crucial funds to aid the reconstruction of the severely impacted Himalayan region which needs over Rs 10,000 Crore to put the rain-battered state on track that may take years to do so.
Even as “Social Media and Mainstream media” are flushed with the avalanche of articles terming Himachal’s disaster as planned man-made disaster.
But Natural Forces of weather systems triggering “extremely excessive rains and resultant cloud bursts, flash floods in over-statured water sheds” are key players in decimating “poorly built, even good quality infrastructure” across the state.
Amid the ongoing monsoon season, Himachal experienced catastrophic loss of human lives (300) and widespread damage to both public and private assets. The devastation was exacerbated by landslides, cloud bursts, and dam failures, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Thousands of homes lay damaged or destroyed, along with the ruin of vital agricultural land and crops.
Over 75 K stranded tourists and locals were successfully evacuated with the assistance of the Indian Air Force, Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, home guards, fire brigades, and dedicated volunteers.
Critical infrastructure, including the National Highway, state, district, and local roads, bore the brunt of the calamity, with numerous bridges either washed away or severely damaged. Connectivity across the state was severely hampered, complicating both rescue efforts and daily life.
The government, along with civic bodies, has been tirelessly engaged in relief and rescue operations since the monsoon's onset on July 7. Night and day, they have worked relentlessly to save lives, provide solace to the affected, and restore essential services, all while combatting the ongoing disaster.
This assessment will form the basis for recovery and reconstruction initiatives.
Himachal Pradesh's struggle against the ravages of nature underscores the pressing need for unified efforts to counter calamity-related disasters for which the fund-strapped state needs "liberal funds" from the Centre.
