Shimla, October 5, 2023 - Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the Himachal Pradesh government is considering implementing strict laws to ensure the safety of its citizens from natural disasters.
The proposed legislation will cover aspects such as structural engineering permits, land weight limits, and effective drainage systems. Chief Minister Sukhu urged the public to support these initiatives, emphasizing the need to amend laws and human behavior to protect the environment.
Speaking at a two-day workshop on Geological Hazards, particularly earthquakes and landslides in the western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the state's vulnerability to natural calamities. He cited recent monsoon-related losses due to floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and water release from reservoirs, emphasizing that human actions, including reckless construction along water bodies, contributed to the devastation.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of studying the causes of this year's cloud bursts and noted the impact of global warming on changing weather patterns. He commended the government's quick response to disaster relief efforts, including restoring essential services and road connectivity.
Highlighting the state's seismic risk, Chief Minister Sukhu urged preparedness for earthquakes and revealed plans for Doppler Radars in Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur for early weather warning. He also emphasized the construction of tunnels to mitigate frequent landslides in hilly areas.
The workshop, organized by the State Disaster Management Authority and HIMCOSTE, received praise from the Chief Minister, who pledged to take appropriate action based on its findings. In a charitable gesture, he flagged off vehicles carrying blankets and ration sponsored by the Lions Club International Foundation.
This move by the Himachal Pradesh government signals a commitment to safeguarding its citizens from geological hazards and enhancing disaster preparedness.
