Himachal Govt to Introduce Settlement Policy for Disaster Victims; ₹7 Crore Relief Announced for Saraj Region
Mandi, July 10:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday visited several disaster-hit villages in the Saraj and Nachan assembly constituencies of Mandi district. The worst-affected areas—Deji, Bara, Syanj, Thunag, and Bagsyad—were personally inspected by the Chief Minister, who reviewed ongoing relief efforts and interacted with affected residents to offer his condolences and support.
In Deji, 11 people remain missing following a cloudburst, while two deaths were reported in Bara and four in Syanj, with five still unaccounted for. The Chief Minister met the bereaved families and offered prayers for the departed souls.
Villagers described the damage as “the most devastating in 200 years,” with multiple cloudbursts causing large-scale destruction. The Chief Minister assured them that the government stands firmly with every affected family and will roll out a special relief package to support their rehabilitation.
₹7 Crore Immediate Relief Announced
To expedite relief and rescue operations, CM Sukhu announced the immediate release of ₹7 crore. The breakdown includes:
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₹2 crore each for the Public Works and Jal Shakti Departments
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₹1 crore for the BDO
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₹2 crore already disbursed earlier
He instructed officials to treat homes filled with debris, boulders, or declared unsafe as completely damaged, ensuring full compensation. He also directed assessment of damage to orchards, floriculture, and livestock.
Government Plans One-Time Settlement Policy
Speaking in Bara, the Chief Minister said the state is considering introducing a One-Time Settlement Policy to provide permanent resettlement for disaster-affected residents. Since 68% of Himachal’s land is classified as forest, the proposal will be forwarded to the Central Government for approval.
Relief Camps & Education Initiatives
At the Bara relief camp, the CM shared lunch and interacted with children, assuring them of continued support. He also became the first Chief Minister to reach Deji village on foot to engage directly with victims. In Syanj, Nachan, he met families who lost nine members in the disaster.
While visiting Thunag rest house, CM Sukhu praised the NCC cadets assisting in relief efforts. Upon learning from students about school damage, he announced the opening of a CBSE-affiliated school in Thunag.
Appreciation for Armed Forces and Volunteers
The Chief Minister thanked the SDRF, NDRF, Army, Police, Home Guards, and various volunteer organisations for their tireless work. Brigadier Yajuvendra Singh of the Indian Army briefed him on the progress, noting that 26 soldiers are actively engaged in relief operations.
Overnight Stay and On-Ground Supervision
CM Sukhu spent the night in Thunag, meeting affected families and conducting a late-night review with officials. “This is indeed a major disaster, and rebuilding will take time,” he said, “but the government is committed to standing by its people every step of the way.”
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