Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a relief package of ₹1,500 crore to help Himachal Pradesh recover from devastating floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. The announcement came after the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas and held a review meeting in Kangra district.
The aid package aims to provide multi-dimensional rehabilitation – rebuilding houses, repairing highways, restoring schools, helping farmers, supporting livestock owners, and strengthening long-term water management.
Why did the Prime Minister announce ₹1,500 crore aid?
The Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh has been battered by natural calamities such as flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts over recent weeks. These disasters have:
- Destroyed thousands of houses.
- Washed away roads and bridges.
- Disrupted electricity and water supply.
- Affected schools and health facilities.
- Impacted farmers and livestock owners severely.
Recognizing the scale of damage, PM Modi declared, “The Central Government is committed to helping Himachal Pradesh get back on its feet.”
What does the ₹1,500 crore package include?
The package announced by the Prime Minister is comprehensive and multidimensional. Here are the key components:
- Housing reconstruction under PM Awas Yojana – Ensuring displaced families get permanent homes quickly.
- Highway and road restoration – To re-establish connectivity with remote regions.
- Repair of schools – Geotagging school damages under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for immediate funding support.
- Ex-gratia benefits – ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased; ₹50,000 for the injured.
- Advance release of SDRF funds – To support immediate relief operations.
- Advance PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi instalment – To ensure farmers’ economic stability.
- Water management projects – Construction of recharge structures to improve groundwater.
How will farmers and livestock owners benefit?
Agriculture and animal husbandry form the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s rural economy. The immediate support includes:
- Direct instalments of PM-Kisan funds to farmers.
- Measures to compensate for loss of crops and cattle.
- Veterinary support for livestock affected by the floods.
- Rehabilitation grants to restore agricultural productivity.
What about education and damaged schools?
The Prime Minister emphasized continuity in education despite natural disasters. Schools that suffered structural damages will be geotagged so that funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan can be released faster. This step will reduce bureaucracy and enable quick rebuilding.
Relief Package at a Glance
| Sector | Relief Measures Announced |
|---|---|
| Housing | Reconstruction under PM Awas Yojana |
| Roads & Highways | Restoration of damaged highways and bridges |
| Education | Geotagging damaged schools; quick funding under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan |
| Farmers | Advance release of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi funds; compensation for crop losses |
| Livestock | Veterinary aid and rehabilitation support |
| Water Resources | Recharge structures to strengthen groundwater and long-term water management |
| Families Affected | ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for deceased, ₹50,000 for injured |
| Disaster Relief | Immediate advance release of second instalment of SDRF |
How did PM Modi interact with the victims?
During his visit, PM Modi met families affected by the floods and assured them of all-out support from the Centre. Many victims highlighted their struggles with displacement, health issues, and crop losses. The Prime Minister directed officials to ensure “compassionate and timely relief” for every household.
What role are NDRF and SDRF playing?
The Prime Minister lauded rescue and relief efforts by:
- NDRF (National Disaster Response Force)
- SDRF (State Disaster Response Force)
- The Indian Army and volunteers
These forces have already evacuated stranded families, set up relief camps, and distributed food and medical aid.
What are the next steps for Himachal Pradesh?
The road to recovery requires well-planned action. The Centre and the State will work together on:
- Building sustainable infrastructure to withstand future floods.
- Enhancing disaster preparedness with early warning systems.
- Creating alternate livelihood opportunities to reduce dependency on vulnerable sectors.
- Focusing on ecological conservation such as afforestation and slope stabilization.
Why is a long-term strategy essential?
Natural disasters in hill states are becoming more frequent due to:
- Increasing effects of climate change.
- Unscientific construction on fragile slopes.
- Rapid deforestation and soil erosion.
PM Modi’s stress on water management and housing reconstruction signals that rebuilding must focus on resilience, not just restoration.
Key Questions Answered
Q. Will all affected families get new homes?
Yes, families whose houses were destroyed will be covered under the PM Awas Yojana.
Q. How quickly will funds reach the state?
The Centre has announced advance release of SDRF and PM-Kisan instalments for immediate availability of funds.
Q. How will the government ensure transparency?
Geotagging of schools and damaged assets, along with assessment by inter-ministerial teams, will help track progress.
Q. Can additional aid be expected later?
Yes, the PM has hinted that extra relief may be considered once the central teams finish detailed damage assessment.
A Commitment to Rebuild Himachal
The ₹1,500 crore relief package is a lifeline for thousands of Himachali families. Beyond immediate compensation, the plan focuses on long-term resilience—stronger homes, restored connectivity, revived agriculture, and better disaster preparedness.
As PM Modi put it, “The Union Government will work closely with the State Government in this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.”