Himachal Pradesh Minister Appeals for Central Aid for Rain-Affected State

Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh expressed disappointment on Tuesday over the lack of assistance from the Centre despite the state being battered by heavy rains for weeks. He highlighted that four Lok Sabha MPs and one Union minister hail from Himachal Pradesh, yet no aid has been received. Singh urged these representatives, including Union Health Minister J P Nadda, to secure a financial package for the state, which has been devastated by landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts.

Heavy Rainfall and Its Impact

According to officials, rain-related incidents have claimed 110 lives in Himachal Pradesh between June 27 and August 12. The state has incurred losses amounting to approximately Rs 1,004 crore. The Public Works Department (PWD) suffered the most significant damage, with losses reaching Rs 437 crore. Singh stated, "It is unfortunate that despite four Lok Sabha MPs and one Union minister being from the state, no big support has been received from the Centre."

Landslides and flash floods triggered by continuous rains led to the closure of 213 roads across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The State Emergency Operation Centre reported that Shimla had 89 roads closed, Sirmaur had 42, Mandi had 37, Kullu had 26, Kangra had six, Chamba had five, and Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti each had four roads closed.

Rainfall Data and Warnings

Since Monday evening, Naina Devi recorded the highest rainfall at 96.4 mm. Other areas also experienced significant rainfall: Dharamshala received 51 mm, Kangra 30.2 mm, Kandaghat 10.4 mm, Kahu 9.2 mm, and Kufri 6.4 mm. The local meteorological office has issued a yellow warning for more heavy rainfall in isolated parts of the state until August 19.

Singh made a plea to the MPs and Union Health Minister J P Nadda to address this issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized the need for a substantial financial package to strengthen repair efforts and help Himachal Pradesh recover from the crisis.

Concerns Over Bangladesh Situation

Singh also voiced his concerns about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. He urged that requests for asylum in India should be handled sensitively. "The situation which has developed in our neighbouring country Bangladesh is worrisome," he said.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting asylum to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Singh noted that relations between India and Bangladesh have historically been strong, with former prime minister Indira Gandhi playing a significant role in Bangladesh's independence.

The current situation in Bangladesh is alarming. Hindus and other minorities like Sikhs and Buddhists are being killed, and their homes and shops are being set on fire. Singh stated that the PM should intervene through diplomatic channels and consider asylum requests with sensitivity.

Violence in Bangladesh

Community leaders in Dhaka reported that numerous Hindu temples, homes, and businesses were vandalised following Sheikh Hasina's departure from Bangladesh on August 5. Women were assaulted, and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party were killed.

More than 230 people have died in violence across Bangladesh since mid-July when anti-quota protests began. The death toll has now reached 560 following the fall of Hasina's government.

The situation remains dire as Singh calls for urgent intervention to address both local issues in Himachal Pradesh and international concerns regarding minority safety in Bangladesh.