Prime Minister Modi Announces ₹1,500 Crore Relief Package for Flood-Affected Himachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a financial assistance package of ₹1,500 crore for the flood and rain-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh. He also declared an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.

The announcement came after the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the severely affected districts of Mandi and Kullu and reviewed the state’s flood and landslide situation.

Acknowledging the gravity of the disaster, the Prime Minister assured that the central government will make every possible effort to support the state during this difficult time.

He further announced that the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi would be released in advance. Approvals under the PM Awas Yojana would be expedited, restoration of national highways would be prioritized, relief provisions under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be extended, and mini kits for livestock would be provided.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met families affected by the disaster and expressed his deep condolences to those who lost their loved ones. He reaffirmed that the central government will work closely with the state government to ensure all possible assistance is provided.

The Prime Minister also met with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, and volunteer groups such as Aapda Mitra, appreciating their tireless efforts in relief and rehabilitation work. He assured that the central government would support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in the affected areas.

Recognizing the urgent need to support farmers, he announced that additional assistance would be provided to those who currently lack electricity connections. Under the PM Awas Yojana, geotagging of damaged houses will be conducted to accurately assess losses and ensure timely assistance reaches those in need. Schools will be allowed to report damage and geotag affected facilities to ensure uninterrupted education support under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

To improve water management, recharge structures will be built to harvest rainwater, helping replenish groundwater and promote sustainable water usage.

A central inter-ministerial team has already visited Himachal Pradesh to assess the damage and will recommend further aid based on its detailed report.

Later, the Prime Minister reached Kangra, where he was welcomed by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and other senior officials. BJP leaders, including Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur and State Party President Rajeev Bindal, were also present at Gaggal Airport.

According to the tentative program, the Prime Minister was briefed by the Chief Minister and senior officials on the devastation caused by the monsoon.

The state has suffered losses exceeding ₹4,500 crore, with 370 confirmed deaths and 41 people still missing. The Public Works Department has been hit the hardest, with roads and bridges severely damaged.

Since the onset of the monsoon on June 20 this year, Himachal Pradesh has experienced 136 landslides, 95 flash floods, and 45 cloudbursts, causing widespread damage to both public infrastructure and private property.

Currently, 615 roads, including four national highways, remain closed, while 1,748 electricity transformers and 461 water supply schemes are yet to be restored.