Himachal Pradesh Declared Disaster-Hit Amid Heavy Rainfall: Sukhu

The Himachal Pradesh government has declared the entire state as disaster-hit following widespread damage caused by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state has incurred losses exceeding ₹3,056 crore.

The infrastructure sector has borne the brunt, with roads, bridges, power lines, and water supply schemes badly affected. The Manimahesh pilgrimage has also been hit, with reports confirming the death of 16 pilgrims. Four bodies remain trapped in Kugti village of Bharmour.

The Chamba district administration has deployed 20 porters to retrieve the bodies, but continuous rainfall has made the operation extremely difficult.

Sukhu clarified that there is no discrepancy in the evacuation figures from Bharmour, pointing out that Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri had already informed the Assembly that 3,257 pilgrims were brought to safety from Manimahesh.

He further said, “Of the 15,000 pilgrims stranded in Manimahesh, 10,000 have been safely evacuated and sent home free of cost through Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses.”

Former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar has written to the Prime Minister, requesting a special financial package of ₹20,000 crore to help the state recover from the disaster. Sukhu expressed gratitude for the appeal and voiced hope that the Centre would act swiftly.

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, while expressing concern over those still stranded in Bharmour, said that more than 500 people are still awaiting rescue. He urged the government to expedite restoration of road, water, and power connectivity to facilitate rescue operations. Thakur also appealed for the postponement of examinations for students unable to reach their centers due to the disaster.