Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the Kangra parliamentary constituency on September 9 to assess the monsoon disaster situation in Himachal Pradesh. The proposed visit schedule has been received by the state government from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Weather permitting, PM Modi will conduct an aerial survey of disaster-affected areas on Tuesday and hold meetings in Dharamshala before returning to Delhi at 3:30 PM. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the likelihood of the September 9 visit and outlined the agenda for the Prime Minister’s tour.
Detailed damage report to be presented
During the visit, the Chief Minister will present a comprehensive report on disaster damage in Himachal Pradesh and request timely release of relief funds from the central government. The state has been seeking financial assistance to cope with the unprecedented monsoon devastation that has affected multiple districts.
Regarding GST amendment-related losses to the state, the CM mentioned that the state government is preparing a new policy to ensure the general public doesn’t face adverse impacts from these changes.
Unprecedented cloudburst incidents
The Chief Minister highlighted that over 50 cloudburst incidents have occurred in Himachal Pradesh during this monsoon season – an unusually high number that has prompted scientific investigation. “Scientists have conducted inspections to determine the causes of these frequent cloudbursts. Notably, these incidents have occurred in hilly forest areas rather than in rivers and streams,” he explained.
The CM emphasized the need to understand the reasons behind the increased frequency of cloudbursts, attributing the pattern to climate change effects that could cause more damage in the future.
Manimahesh pilgrims rescued successfully
The state government successfully evacuated 16,000 stranded pilgrims from Manimahesh using helicopter services and HRTC buses. Free transportation services were provided to ensure pilgrims reached their destinations safely during the rescue operations.
Apple growers face challenges
The CM acknowledged that apple growers have suffered significant losses due to heavy rainfall, but assured that efforts are underway to ensure their produce reaches markets. “As soon as weather conditions improve, we are working to clear road obstacles and provide relief to apple growers,” he stated.
Government representatives are monitoring the situation in Kinnaur, Shimla, and other affected areas to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts for the horticulture sector, which forms a crucial part of the state’s economy.
The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to provide much-needed central support for Himachal Pradesh’s disaster recovery efforts and long-term climate resilience planning.
