SHIMLA/MANALI: Indian National Congress General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi has urged the Centre to declare Himachal’s natural calamity as National Disaster to speed up restoration works in flood-hit Himachal Pradesh.
Accompanied by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, she made a visit to the flood-ravaged areas of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh.
The visit aimed to assess the damages caused by recent devastating floods triggered by torrential rains.
During her tour, Priyanka Gandhi interacted with the distressed local population who shared their harrowing experiences.
She commended the state government's efforts in providing timely relief and rescue operations, acknowledging Chief Minister Sukhu's dedication in overseeing the relief efforts around the clock.
While addressing the media in Manali, Priyanka Gandhi praised the remarkable unity and generosity displayed by the people of Himachal Pradesh, who voluntarily contributed to the Aapda Rahat Kosh to aid the affected families.
She also highlighted the tireless work of the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues during this crisis.
Despite the state government's commendable efforts, Priyanka Gandhi emphasized that the Union Government's assistance was indispensable for a full recovery.
She criticized any form of political discrimination during such dire circumstances and called on the Central Government to declare this calamity a 'National Disaster,' urging immediate action and support for the affected region.
The calamity has not only affected the general population but also caused significant losses to farmers and horticulturalists in the state.
Priyanka Gandhi raised concerns about the reduced prices of apple crops by major industrial players and the lowered import duty on Washington apples, directly impacting local horticulturalists. She called on the Central leadership to prioritize the welfare of the state's farmers and horticulturalists.
Chief Minister Sukhu, who had previously briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the extensive damages during a recent meeting, reiterated his plea for the calamity to be declared a National Disaster.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had also personally assessed the flood-hit areas. The Chief Minister revealed that the state government had submitted claims for damages amounting to Rs. 12,000 crore, and he urged the Central Government to promptly provide financial support to the affected people.
In a humane gesture, the state government decided to cover the cost of rented accommodations for those who had been residing in relief camps to alleviate their suffering.
During the visit, the Kullu Fruit Growers Mandal, Katrain, presented a contribution of five lakh rupees to the Aapda Rahat Kosh, demonstrating solidarity with the relief efforts.
The event was attended by other prominent political figures, including Congress party in-charge for Himachal Pradesh Rajiv Shukla, State HPCC President Pratibha Singh, PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, CPS Sunder Singh Thakur, and MLAs Bhubneshwar Gaur and Ravi Thakur, along with political advisor to the Chief Minister, Sunil Sharma, and senior district officials.
