It’s Uncertain Whether the ₹1,500 Crore Aid Will Be Special Relief or Scheme-Based Support: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated today that it is yet unclear whether the ₹1,500 crore financial assistance announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be part of a special relief package or scheme-based support.

Speaking to the media after the Prime Minister’s visit to Kangra, Sukhu explained that he has urged the central government to provide a special relief package, as the state’s resources are insufficient to deal with the devastation caused by the heavy rains. “I have requested the Prime Minister to approve a ₹5,000 crore special relief package to meet the state’s immediate needs, as the total losses could exceed ₹10,000 crores,” he added.

He further stressed, “A delay in relief is as good as no relief. People need help now, not months later.” Sukhu also appealed to the Prime Minister to amend laws that cause delays in providing compensation to families of missing persons, as the current regulations result in a seven-year wait to issue death certificates for claim processing.

The Chief Minister said that he has also requested the central government to relax provisions of the Forest Conservation Act to allow displaced families to be resettled on forest land, as nearly 68% of Himachal Pradesh’s land area is forested. Additionally, he urged the government to approve an extra 2% borrowing limit to ensure more effective aid reaches disaster-hit families.

“We have made the Prime Minister aware of the ground realities. Rehabilitation of displaced people is our top priority, but existing forest laws pose a major hurdle,” Sukhu said. “Under the 1950 Act, 68% of the state’s land – including barren land – is classified as forest, which restricts our rehabilitation efforts. Current regulations don’t even allow us to transfer one bigha of land to affected families.”

Calling for amendments in the existing guidelines, Sukhu pointed out that restoring damaged infrastructure often costs more than building new projects. “So far, we have received very little and delayed assistance. Many hydropower projects remain shut for months after floods, but the present framework doesn’t account for such damages,” he added.

The Chief Minister appealed to the central government to reconsider its approach in light of the unique geographical challenges Himachal faces. He concluded by saying, “The Prime Minister listened to us with seriousness and patience. Considering his long-standing association with the state and deep understanding of its challenges, we are hopeful for meaningful support.”