Himachal Pradesh Suffers ₹46,000 Crore Loss from Natural Disasters in Four Years: Report

According to the Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025, the state has incurred losses of nearly ₹46,000 crore over the past four years due to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change. The report also noted that around 1,700 lives were lost during the last five monsoon seasons.

The 256-page report, titled “Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025: Building the Future in a Climate-Impacted World,” was prepared by the Department of Environment and Science in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and released on Monday by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

The report highlights that erratic rainfall has caused about 70% of traditional water sources to dry up or come under stress, worsening the water crisis and leading to depopulation in several villages.

It also notes a sharp rise in forest fire incidents — from 856 in 2022–23 to 2,580 in 2024–25.

Average annual temperatures in the state have risen by 1.5°C since 1901 and are projected to increase by another 2–3°C by mid-century. The report warns that climate change could severely affect economic growth through rising temperatures, extreme rainfall and cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and forest fires.

Glaciers are retreating by more than 50 meters annually, while the formation of new glacial lakes has increased the risk of GLOFs. In the Satluj basin alone, the number of glacial lakes rose from 562 in 2019 to 1,048 in 2023, with similar trends observed in the Chenab and Ravi basins. Kullu and Kinnaur districts were identified as the most vulnerable to GLOF risks.

The report estimates significant economic disruptions in agriculture, construction, and tourism, and says the state will need an investment of about ₹10,000 crore to strengthen its climate resilience.

Releasing the report, Chief Minister Sukhu said it reflects the state’s progress, resilience, and the aspirations of its people. “It is a matter of pride that, as per the Human Development Report 2025, Himachal Pradesh’s average Human Development Index (HDI) stands at 0.78 — higher than the national average of 0.63,” he said.

District-level analysis of the climate-adjusted HDI shows that overall development in the state remains relatively resilient to potential climate risks.

Expressing concern over climate change, Sukhu called it “a serious global crisis” that threatens both present and future generations if not addressed urgently.

He also noted that Himachal Pradesh has recently achieved full literacy, with a literacy rate of 99.3%, a poverty rate below 7%, an infant mortality rate of 21 per 1,000 live births, and a life expectancy of 72 years.

This year’s monsoon caused severe damage across the state. Data from the State Emergency Operations Centre show that between June and September, Himachal Pradesh witnessed 47 cloudbursts, 98 flash floods, and 148 major landslides, resulting in 270 deaths.

“The mountains, rivers, forests, and glaciers are all victims of global warming,” Sukhu said, adding that the state continues to face extreme rainfall, floods, and landslides. “The world must act as one family to protect the environment and ensure sustainable economic growth.”

Stressing the need for a people-centered and climate-conscious future, he highlighted state initiatives to reduce global warming — including solar energy expansion, promotion of electric vehicles, and other green efforts.

UNDP representative Angela Lusigi said this is India’s first state-level human development report to explore the critical intersection between human development and climate change. It introduces a climate-adjusted Human Development Index (HDI) to assess how climate change is reshaping development outcomes.

The report also praises state policy frameworks such as the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC), the Green Budget, the Natural Farming Mission, and initiatives promoting solar and hydrogen energy as positive steps forward.

It stresses that “business as usual” is no longer an option and calls for urgent, cross-sectoral action on climate change.

Importantly, it underlines the role of local communities — especially women — as key agents of change in driving climate action, with data and technology playing a central role in informed decision-making.