NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has called on the Union government to declare the devastating floods and landslides in North India a “national disaster.” The party released a statement on Saturday expressing “deep concern” over the widespread devastation affecting multiple states.
The CPI(M) highlighted the severe impact on Punjab, where all 23 districts have been declared flood-hit. According to the party, the floods have affected over 400,000 people and submerged approximately 300,000 acres of crops. Other states, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, are also reeling from the heavy rains, with Himachal Pradesh reporting over 320 deaths. The party criticized the BJP-led government for its “inadequate response” to the calamity.
While a “national disaster” declaration in India doesn’t have a formal legal or executive provision, it is a term often used to underscore the magnitude of a calamity that is beyond a state’s capacity to handle. Such a declaration can lead to increased central government assistance. The Union government has, however, already constituted Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to assess damage and has deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, Army personnel, and Air Force support to assist with search, rescue, and relief operations in the affected states.
The CPI(M) is also actively involved in relief efforts on the ground, with party members urging widespread participation and funds collection to aid the affected populations. The party’s statement calls for relief and rehabilitation measures to be undertaken “on a war-footing.”