Himachal Assembly: Heated Debate on Disaster Damage in Monsoon Session, Jairam vs. CM Sukhu Face-to-Face
Shimla, August 18.
The Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly began on Monday. After paying tribute to former legislator Ganesh Datt Bharwal, the Opposition sought a discussion under Rule 67 through an adjournment motion on the recent monsoon disaster in the state.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania pointed out that a government resolution under Rule 102 on the same subject was already listed, but since both matters overlapped, discussion could take place under Rule 102. However, the BJP insisted on Rule 67, leading to a brief exchange with the Treasury benches. Eventually, the government agreed, allowing debate under Rule 67. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu clarified that the government was fully prepared to discuss the issue given its gravity.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur opened the debate, stating that Himachal faces severe natural disasters almost every year. He recalled the devastation of 2023 and 2024, adding that this year the damage began even before the monsoon. He described how the torrential rains of June 30 left people devastated overnight—families who went to sleep peacefully woke up to find their homes, fields, and orchards buried under debris.
Thakur highlighted that Mandi district, especially the Seraj constituency, was the worst hit. He said 42 lives were lost in a single night, 29 of them from his constituency, a figure that has since risen to 31. Nine deaths were reported in Nachan, three in Karsog, with further destruction in Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Una. Dozens of houses were flattened, while roads, electricity, and water supply schemes were paralyzed. Over 500 families in Seraj, he said, are still sheltering in rented accommodations, inns, or with relatives.
Calling the disaster unprecedented, Thakur noted that massive landslides occurred from altitudes of 12,000–13,000 feet in areas with no roads, dumping sites, or construction activity. He accused the government of laxity in relief measures, pointing out that the Public Works Department suffered losses worth ₹500 crore in Seraj, yet only ₹2 crore was sanctioned. He urged the government to prioritize rehabilitation of affected families.
Responding to the allegations, CM Sukhu said he was the first to reach the disaster site. “The moment reports of damage came in on June 30, I left for Dharampur the very next day and arranged for ration to be airlifted by helicopter to Seraj. I was the first to reach there myself,” he said. Sukhu added that relief and rescue teams led by the SP and DC were immediately deployed, with NDRF and SDRF units arriving at the state government’s request. Ministers also visited the affected areas.
He emphasized that instructions were given to ensure constant communication with the Leader of Opposition and even to provide him helicopter facilities. “We left no stone unturned in rescue and relief efforts,” Sukhu asserted, countering that while the Opposition remained confined to their constituencies, the government worked across the state to prioritize aid and rehabilitation for all affected regions.
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