HP demands interim relief of Rs 500 cr from Centre

Shimla, Aug 18 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh Government has urged the Centre to provide an interim relief of Rs 500 crore to enable the state government to provide immediate relief to the rain-affected families and to restore the communication, infrastructure, water supply and other emergency services in the state.

Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, while interacting with Deputy Commissioners of all the rain-affected districts of the state, here today said revenue loss of Rs 1,000 crore had been estimated so far due to incessant rain and flash floods in the state.

He said orchardists and farmers had been worst-hit by the ongoing heavy downpour, which had also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, public and private properties.

Mr Dhumal assured the apple growers that the government would soon restore links to the hills so that movement of apple-laden truck were not delayed.

The Chief Minister directed the authorities for early restoration of traffic at Theog-Rohru road which had been closed due to landslides yesterday near Chhilla.

He said top priority would be given to restore traffic on the NH-21 so that traffic link to tourist resorts at Manali could be restored.

In view of the heavy rains and flash floods, the Chief Minister directed all the Deputy Commissioners to evacuate the people to safer places and to provide immediate relief to the affected families on compassionate ground.

UNI XC PS RC CS1808