Centre Approves ₹2,006 Crore Recovery Plan for Himachal’s 2023 Disaster Losses

New Delhi, 18 June – In a major relief for Himachal Pradesh, the Central Government has sanctioned ₹2,006.40 crore for recovery and reconstruction in areas hit by floods, landslides, cloudbursts and other calamities during 2023. The decision was taken by a High‑Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which reviewed proposals seeking assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Breakdown of Assistance

• Total package approved: ₹2,006.40 crore

• Earlier approvals: ₹1,540.80 crore had already been cleared for rebuilding damaged infrastructure, including an interim release of ₹633.73 crore from the NDRF on 12 September 2023.

• The latest allocation will fund the restoration of public facilities and essential services across the affected districts.

National Context

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to stand with states in times of crisis, the Centre has so far released:

• ₹20,264.40 crore to 28 states from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and

• ₹5,160.76 crore to 19 states from the NDRF in FY 2024‑25.

The same High‑Level Committee also cleared ₹1,658.17 crore for Uttarakhand to address damage caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

Recent Disaster‑Relief Spending

During FY 2022‑23, a total of ₹22,616.91 crore was disbursed nationwide, comprising ₹4,984.25 crore from the SDRF to 19 states and ₹719.72 crore from the NDRF to eight states.

Significance for Himachal

For a hilly state like Himachal Pradesh, the fresh infusion of funds is expected to accelerate reconstruction and bolster disaster resilience in vulnerable regions. The decision underscores the Union Government’s proactive approach to disaster management and its commitment to supporting states in recovery efforts.