Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday disbursed the first installment of disaster relief to affected families in Mandi, announcing an enhanced compensation package while criticizing the Centre for delays in forest land allocation.
At a ceremony held at Paddal Ground, the Chief Minister increased the disaster relief package from ₹7.70 lakh to ₹8 lakh, raising the household items allowance from ₹70,000 to ₹1 lakh. He allocated ₹81.28 crore to 4,914 disaster-affected families from Mandi, Kullu, and Bilaspur districts, distributing ₹4 lakh as the first installment with assurances of immediate release of the second installment once house construction begins.
Forest land allocation emerges as key challenge
Addressing the gathering, CM Sukhu highlighted constraints under the Forest Conservation Act, stating that land allocation to disaster victims requires central government approval. “This matter is not under our jurisdiction. If it were, we would have amended the law and allocated forest land to disaster victims,” he said, adding that despite repeated requests, the Centre has not provided the necessary assistance.
The Chief Minister offered to visit Delhi under BJP leaders’ guidance to resolve the issue but claimed no one was listening. He also targeted former CM and Leader of Opposition Jayram Thakur, accusing him of “cooking political bread” in the name of disaster victims, along with criticizing nine BJP MLAs from Mandi.
Comprehensive relief structure announced
The relief package breakdown includes:
- ₹8 lakh for completely destroyed houses (₹4 lakh first installment, remaining in two subsequent installments)
- ₹90,000 for partially damaged houses
- ₹1 lakh for household items (increased from ₹70,000)
- ₹50,000 for damaged cattle sheds
- ₹10,000 per bigha for agricultural/horticultural land damage
- ₹4,000 per bigha for crop losses
- ₹9,000 per livestock and ₹55,000 per milch animal in case of death
In Mandi district alone, 717 houses were completely destroyed, while approximately 600 families in Bilaspur and 500 in Kullu will receive direct benefits. Some beneficiaries have already received ₹1.30 lakh as immediate relief from the ₹4 lakh allocation.
₹21 lakh announced for orphaned children
In an emotional moment, the Chief Minister presented a ₹7 lakh cheque to a girl orphaned in the Saraj disaster. He announced ₹21 lakh under the Children of the State scheme, to be deposited as a fixed deposit in the child’s bank account, accessible after she turns 18. The ceremony began with a two-minute silence for those who lost their lives in the disaster.
College building inaugurated at Panarsa
Earlier in the day, CM Sukhu inaugurated the Government Degree College Panarsa building, constructed at a cost of ₹13.14 crore. Emphasizing education as a top priority, he announced the introduction of BVoc and BCA courses on a self-financing basis from the next session.
“The purpose of opening new institutions should not merely be to erect buildings, but to ensure quality education reaches the students studying there,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that the government is ensuring adequate staff availability to build student confidence.
Former minister Kaul Singh Thakur thanked the CM for ensuring rapid development of the Drang constituency, noting that starting science classes at College Panarsa would increase student enrollment and reduce pressure on Kullu College.
Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, former MLA Jawahar Thakur, APMC Chairman Kullu Ram Singh Miyan, HPMC Director Joginder Guleria, District Council President Anita Thakur, and other dignitaries were present at the events.
