SHIMLA: State Government has released Rs. 50 crore to reopen blocked roads in the apple belt to ensure smooth transportation, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today.
Despite the huge losses in excess of Rs 8000 Crores suffered due to the spate of downpours and flash floods, Himachal Pradesh is yet to receive any special relief and rehabilitation package from the Union government, unlike other states that receive regular assistance in July and December.
CM said natural calamities have caused loss of over Rs. 8000 crore to both life and property in Himachal.
Chief Minister expects the Union Government to release the first instalment of interim relief soon.
The Central Government team has gone back to Delhi after assessing the extent of the damages in the state.
Public Works Department has been asked to mobilize additional manpower and machinery to expedite the road clearance process in the apple belt so that the farmers are able to transport the fruit timely to the markets.
Most of the roads in Chopal subdivision- Chopal-Shantha-Deot-Bijjar, Chopal-Chowkia-Jhiknipul, Sainj-Pulbahal, Maroag-Matal-Bamta, Nerwa-Thaoach, Nerwa-Kupvi, Pabaas Kenchi-Lastadhar, Kufar-Lastadhar-Shantha remained blocked due to extensive damage to the roads.
The fruit face ripening in orchards as the farmers cannot harvest due to the lack of connectivity in the apple belt.
To support those affected, the government has provided special relief packages, including one lakh rupees as interim relief for damaged properties (houses). Compensation for the loss of milch cattle, such as cows and buffaloes, has been increased from Rs. 37,500 to Rs. 55,000, and financial assistance for the death of sheep and goats has been raised from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000.
But the state government face economic crisis due to its mounting debt and borrowings amounting to over Rs 90, 000 Crore from, what CM termed as the inherited liability from the previous BJP government in the state.
