Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of adapting to disasters caused by climate change, during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction event, Samarth-2024. He highlighted that with the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the key to minimizing damage and loss is heightened awareness and preparedness.
Presiding over the event in Shimla, CM Sukhu outlined the state government’s proactive measures to mitigate disaster risks. He noted that a project worth Rs. 800 crore is being executed in partnership with the French agency AFD, alongside Rs. 500 crore allocated from the state’s mitigation fund. A major announcement included the establishment of a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) training institute in Palampur, along with infrastructure investments for improved weather forecasting.
Reflecting on past disasters, the Chief Minister recalled the devastating 1905 Kangra earthquake, which claimed over 20,000 lives. He further highlighted the challenges faced during the 2023 monsoon season, which caused significant damage, including the loss of over 500 lives and property worth Rs 10,000 crore. Despite no financial assistance from the central government, the state successfully rehabilitated 23,000 affected families and implemented a Rs 4,500 crore disaster relief package. Compensation for homes completely destroyed was increased from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 7 lakh.
Sukhu criticized political interference in disaster relief efforts, expressing frustration over the delay in receiving the Rs 10,000 crore required for the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). “There should be no politics in such matters, and full assistance must be provided to those affected,” he asserted. The Chief Minister recalled personally overseeing rescue operations during the monsoon disaster, including the evacuation of 75,000 tourists and the rapid restoration of essential services.
The state government’s efforts were recognized by the World Bank, NITI Aayog, and former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar for effectively managing the crisis. The Chief Minister also commended the daring rescue mission led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi, which ensured the safe return of 303 stranded tourists from Chandratal in Lahaul-Spiti district.
During the event, CM Sukhu launched several new initiatives, including a State Disaster Mitigation Fund portal and an Earthquake Retrofitting Program for Critical Buildings in collaboration with CBRI Roorkee and other institutions. He also introduced Rebuilding Lives, a project to develop a Resilient Model Village at Gram Panchayat Bawasni, Solan, in partnership with Bal Raksha Bharat and Zee Enterprises Limited.
An MoU was signed between the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) and CBRI Roorkee to enhance the skills of engineers, architects, and builders, and to establish a Training and Demonstration Unit (TDU) in Kangra. Additionally, the Chief Minister released two publications, Kavach-1 and Kavach-2, authored by CBRI Roorkee scientists, and honored several individuals for their exemplary work during disaster response operations.
The event also saw the recognition of Kangra and Chamba districts as the Best Performing Districts in disaster preparedness, under the state’s “Creation of Task Force of Youth Volunteers for Disaster Preparedness and Response” scheme. CM Sukhu reiterated the importance of Himachal Pradesh’s green energy initiatives and the collective responsibility of maintaining the state’s clean and green image.
Prominent attendees included MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary Onkar Chand Sharma, and other state officials. The Chief Minister concluded by stressing the need for continuous preparedness, ensuring that the state remains resilient in the face of future disasters.