Himachal Declared ‘Disaster-Hit’ As Monsoon Toll Reaches 320, Sukhu Urges Centre ‘To Stop Reckless Construction’
Himachal Pradesh has been declared a disaster-affected region due to devastating monsoon rains. Over 320 lives have been lost, with damages exceeding ₹3 lakh crore.
By Prakram Chand
Himachal Pradesh has officially been declared a disaster-affected state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement in the state Assembly, citing widespread devastation caused by incessant rainfall, landslides, and cloudbursts since August 21.
According to figures released by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and reported by ANI, the 2025 monsoon has already claimed 320 lives, with total damages estimated at over ₹3 lakh crore.
Listing the districts worst hit, Sukhu named Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Kangra, and Hamirpur. He said, “3,056 crore rupees is the preliminary estimate of losses. The maximum damage has been to roads, bridges, water and electricity structures.”
The Chief Minister said that provisions under the Disaster Management Act had been invoked, directing both central and state agencies to expedite relief, rescue, and infrastructure restoration on a war footing.
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Call to Check Uncontrolled Construction
Expressing grave concern, Sukhu urged the Centre to intervene in halting indiscriminate construction in hill states. He said, “This is not just a geographical crisis but a matter of national concern, as the impact of global warming is felt most acutely in the mountains. I urge the central government to stop reckless construction. Our hills are not merely tourist destinations; they are pillars of life protection.”
The Chief Minister added that homes, livestock, and farms had also suffered major losses, assuring people that his government stood firmly with affected families and was committed to rehabilitation.
Heavy Rains Claim Lives and Damage Infrastructure
Speaking separately to reporters in Shimla, Sukhu confirmed, “Four people have died in Shimla, there are reports of some deaths in the Rajgarh area of Sirmaur district, and Hamirpur has also suffered significant damage.”
According to ANI, he noted that roads, water supply systems, irrigation projects, electricity networks, schools, and government institutions have been badly impacted. “Learning from the 2030 disaster, the state government this time initiated relief and rescue operations swiftly and managed to keep the situation largely under control compared to 2023,” he said.
The CM said Chamba had borne the brunt of the disaster. “Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi himself has reached Bharmour on foot. Under his leadership, relief and rescue operations are underway,” he added, pointing out that portions of the Bharmour-Chamba road had sunk for up to 1.5 kilometres.
Heavy Rainfall Triggers Fatal Incidents In Himachal
Since June 20, as many as 166 people have lost their lives in rain-linked disasters, including landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning cases, electrocution, and lightning strikes. Road mishaps during this period accounted for an additional 154 fatalities.
District-wise data highlights Mandi (51 deaths), Kangra (49 deaths), and Shimla (29 deaths) as the worst-hit. While rain-related casualties were highest in Kangra (30), Mandi (29), and Chamba (14), road accident deaths peaked in Chamba (22), followed by Mandi (22) and Kangra (19).
CM Sukhu Slams Opposition Over Doing 'Politics' In Crisis
Restoration efforts are being carried out round the clock, with temporary pedestrian routes and free arrangements for food and transport provided in the affected regions. Heavy machinery and Indian Air Force helicopters are also engaged in clearing blocked routes and airlifting stranded people.
Sukhu acknowledged the challenges posed by relentless rain. “I spoke to the Revenue Minister at 11:30 am today via satellite phone. He informed me that so far, the death of four pilgrims in Bharmour has been confirmed. Helicopters and volunteer teams have been deployed to retrieve bodies and move stranded pilgrims to safe locations,” he said, warning that landslide threats remain severe.
On the political front, he criticised the opposition for “doing politics” in a time of crisis, while commending former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar for demanding a Rs 20,000-crore special package for affected families. “I am grateful to him for rising above politics and speaking in the interest of the state. We too will demand a special package from the central government,” Sukhu stated.
He further urged all MPs to press the Centre for aid, saying, “We have no ego in this matter. It is not about individuals; it is about the state.”
The CM assured compensation to families who lost houses, livestock, or crops, while advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel and tourists to monitor weather updates before visiting. “Heavy rain is a big challenge to relief and rescue work. Once the weather clears, the operations will be accelerated,” Sukhu said.
Landslide Risk Continues Amid Ongoing Relief Operations
Officials have cautioned that continuous rainfall poses risks of further landslides and road blockages, urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain alert to weather advisories.
Despite restoration and relief efforts underway, several regions remain cut off due to recurring landslides and collapsed bridges. Authorities emphasise that relief measures are ongoing but warn that the situation could worsen if rains continue unabated.
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