Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Launches ‘Punrvaas’ Rehabilitation Program for Monsoon Disaster-Affected Families

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches ‘Punrvaas’ Rehabilitation Initiative for Disaster-Affected Families

Kullu, October 21:

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has officially inaugurated the ‘Punrvaas’ rehabilitation program, an initiative of the state government aimed at assisting families affected by the recent monsoon season’s destructive rains, landslides, and floods. The launch took place at Rath Maidan, Kullu, where special relief benefits were provided to the affected families.

During this ceremony, Chief Minister Sukhu disbursed the first installment of Rs. 3 lakh to each of the 324 affected families in the Kullu district, totaling Rs. 9.72 crore. This assistance, delivered through direct benefit transfer, is intended to support the construction of houses for those who suffered complete damage during the recent disaster. The relief package is available from June 24, 2023, until September 30, 2023.

Sukhu emphasized the government’s commitment to aiding all affected individuals, underscoring the state’s limited resources but strong determination to support those in need. He expressed that his government is dedicated to serving the common people and the underprivileged, understanding their struggles. Despite significant financial constraints, the state government has allocated a special relief package of Rs. 4,500 crore for families affected by the disaster.

Under this program, the compensation for completely damaged houses has increased from Rs. 1.30 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh. Additionally, for partially damaged kutcha houses, the compensation has risen from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, while partially damaged pucca houses now receive Rs. 1 lakh in compensation. Shops and dhabas affected by the disaster will receive Rs. 1 lakh, up from Rs. 25,000, and cow shed damage compensation has increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 50,000. Assistance for loss of belongings for tenants has been raised to Rs. 50,000 from Rs. 2,500, and compensation for the loss of milch and other animals has also seen an increase.

The compensation for agricultural and horticultural land damage has been raised from Rs. 3,615 per bigha to Rs. 10,000 per bigha, and crop damage compensation has been elevated from Rs. 500 per bigha to Rs. 4,000. Financial assistance for silt removal from agricultural and horticultural land has increased from Rs. 1,384.61 per bigha to Rs. 5,000.

Chief Minister Sukhu recounted his immediate response to the disaster in Kullu, supervising the rescue operations when essential facilities were disrupted. He praised the collaborative efforts of officials, employees, and the public in swiftly restoring critical services and evacuating over 75,000 tourists and 15,000 vehicles. He acknowledged the immense financial loss suffered by the state, surpassing Rs. 12,000 crores, with more than 16,000 houses damaged, 13,000 of which were completely destroyed.

Sukhu also noted that a Central Government team was assessing the damage but that no special relief funds had been received yet. He expressed hope that the Centre would provide assistance, as the state had submitted claims totaling Rs. 12,000 crore, following the Central Government’s guidelines.

The successful rescue of about 300 tourists stranded in Chandratal, Lahaul-Spiti district, was highlighted, carried out under challenging conditions by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthi.

The Chief Minister concluded by announcing the participation of cultural groups from 15 countries in the upcoming International Kullu Dussehra, making it historic. He commended Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur and MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur for their dedicated efforts to ensure the event’s success.

In his remarks, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi praised Chief Minister Sukhu for his actions matching his words and the exceptional Rs. 4,500 crore relief package for the state. He emphasized the importance of transparency in disbursing the relief funds and announced the formation of committees at the tehsil level for social audits.

Negi criticized the opposition for allegedly playing politics with the disaster, claiming that the Leader of the Opposition’s efforts to secure funds from the Central Government had been unsuccessful. He also noted that former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur had never visited tribal areas by road while in office and now sought to advocate for these areas while in opposition.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh highlighted the state government’s efforts to restore infrastructure promptly, despite financial constraints. He mentioned the construction of approximately 650 kilometers of roads in Kullu district and the government’s commitment to ensuring road quality. Singh pointed out the lack of support from the opposition in the Assembly for a special relief package and the resolution declaring it a national disaster.

The government has deposited over Rs. 230 crore in the disaster relief fund through the collective efforts of various sections of society, children, the elderly, and employees.