Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led a Citizen Solidarity March organized by the State Disaster Management Authority to mark International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The march began at Oak Over and concluded at the Ridge.
Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the importance of awareness in effectively dealing with disasters, highlighting that challenges can be confronted boldly when equipped with the right information about the type and intensity of the catastrophe. He also called for readiness to face various calamities, including earthquakes.
Acknowledging the resilience of the people of Himachal, Sukhu thanked them for their generous donations towards disaster relief.
He revealed that the Disaster Relief Fund has received approximately Rs. 222 crore to aid those affected by disasters.
He praised the initiatives of young children who contributed from their piggy banks, as well as government employees, pensioners, MLAs, and all sections of society who volunteered contributions.
Sukhu reflected on the recent calamity, stating it was the worst disaster of the decade for Himachal Pradesh.
More than 500 people lost their lives, over 16,000 houses were damaged, and property worth more than Rs 12,000 crore was destroyed.
To provide relief, the government allocated a special relief package of Rs 4,500 crore from its own resources.
The compensation for a completely damaged house was increased from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 7 lakh.
The state government also pledged to provide cement at the rate of Rs 280 per bag and free electricity-water connections to the affected people.
Sukhu credited his cabinet colleagues, other MLAs, and rescue teams for their dedicated efforts, despite challenging weather conditions, in relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an exhibition at the Ridge showcasing the latest equipment for disaster management.
Principal Secretary Revenue Onkar Chand Sharma provided details about programs and measures being adopted to raise awareness through workshops and seminars at the grassroots level.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi, MLA Nand Lal, Mayor Municipal Corporation Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Special Secretary Revenue D.C Rana, and others attended the function, with muck drills having organised in all districts across the state.
