NEW DELHI /CHANDIGARH/SHIMLA, SEPT 9: Prime Minister is set to embark on a two-state tour of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to take stock of the devastation caused by floods and landslides today.
After casting his vote for the vice presidential election in New Delhi, PM left for Himachal and Punjab.
In Punjab, he will be not be joined by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, as he is under treatment in hospital. PM will visit the submerged villages—thousands under water, affecting more than three lakh people.
The Punjab government is banking on the Centre’s intervention, hoping for a sizeable relief package to rebuild shattered livelihoods.
From Punjab, the PM expected top be accompanied by Jagat Parkash Nadda is scheduled to land in Dharamshala for an aerial survey of the worst-hit districts of Himachal—Chamba, Kangra, Una, Mandi and Kullu.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu , BJP Leaders Jai Ram Thakur and MPs is camping there, expecting a special bailout package to cushion the disaster-hit hill state already reeling under losses running into thousands of crores.
The Centre has assured that it “stands shoulder to shoulder” with those affected in this tragic hour.
CM Sukhu said:
“Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is coming to Himachal to review the devastation caused by the disaster. I warmly welcome him to this sacred land of Himachal.
For the country, the Prime Minister is like a guardian. Our beautiful land is going through unbearable pain—homes have been destroyed, people have lost their loved ones, and there has been massive damage to roads, power, and water infrastructure. Since 2023, Himachal has endured deep and repeated wounds.
When I meet the Prime Minister today, I will place before him the pain and suffering of my people. I will also request relaxation in forest land rules so that people can be settled on forest land where necessary.
Another crucial issue that requires the attention of our national leadership and all Himalayan states is this—Is the current model of development sustainable for our mountains?
How do we protect our hills from the adverse effects of climate change?
How do we adopt a sustainable model of development that safeguards our mountains, their natural beauty, and their resources?
I will request the Prime Minister to immediately initiate a national-level discussion and concrete policy on this matter.
Because today, we not only have to rehabilitate destroyed homes, but also ensure that our mountains themselves are not destroyed.”
Punjab CM Mann Welcomes PM’s Visit, Hopes for Relief Package
CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is currently under medical treatment, welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab, saying,
“I welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, who is coming tomorrow. My health is not well, otherwise I would have personally accompanied him to the flood-affected areas. I hope the Prime Minister will announce a substantial package or relief for Punjab and Punjabis to compensate for the losses caused by this natural disaster.”
Sharing his grief over the devastation, Mann also announced that a massive cleanliness drive will be carried out in flood-hit regions to clear the muck and debris. In addition, a war-footing repair plan will be launched to restore damaged schools, colleges, and government buildings.
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