Himachal Pradesh Suffers Rs 4,122 Crore Loss; PM Modi Surveys Mandi and Kullu by Air

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday conducted an aerial survey of Mandi and Kullu districts in Himachal Pradesh, severely affected by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides caused by heavy rains between June 20 and September 8. During the visit, the PM assessed the extent of the flood and landslide damage.

He was received at Gaggal airport by Governor Shiv Pratab Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, state BJP chief Rajiv Bindal, and other BJP legislators were also present. Following the aerial survey, Chief Minister Sukhu and senior officials were scheduled to brief PM Modi on the monsoon-related disaster, while BJP leaders were to update him on the current situation in the state.

Himachal Faces Losses Worth Rs 4,122 Crore

The state has suffered estimated losses of Rs 4,122 crore due to the extreme weather events. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 370 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents and road accidents since June 20. Of these fatalities, 205 were caused directly by rain-related disasters, including 43 deaths from landslides, 17 from cloudbursts, and nine from flash floods. Road accidents accounted for 165 deaths, and 41 people remain missing.

As of Tuesday morning, 619 roads-including four national highways-remain closed. The monsoon has also disrupted 1,748 power transformers and 461 water supply schemes.

Widespread Damage to Homes and Infrastructure

The torrential rains have affected a total of 6,344 houses and 461 shops and factories, either partially or completely. Government and private lands have also suffered extensive damage.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, Chief Minister Sukhu stated that he would request the Prime Minister to consider relaxation in the Forest Conservation Act to facilitate allocation of forest land to those rendered landless by the disaster.

CM Sukhu's Message Ahead of PM's Survey

Hours before the PM's arrival, CM Sukhu posted on X highlighting the state's distress, stating that residents were grappling with the loss of loved ones, villages buried under debris, and extensive damage to roads and electricity networks.

He added that he would urge PM Modi to initiate discussions on developing a sustainable strategy for hill states and question whether the current development model in the mountains is environmentally sustainable. He emphasized the need for measures to protect the Himalayas from the adverse effects of climate change.