A seven-member central team reviewed disaster damage in six districts of Himachal Pradesh to assess relief and recovery needs. The Inter-Ministerial Central Team, headed by M. Ramachandrudu, Joint Secretary for Disaster Management under the Government of India, concluded its four-day assessment visit after holding detailed discussions with senior state government officials in Shimla.
The central team arrived in Himachal Pradesh on September 28 and visited several disaster-hit areas across six districts. The team covered Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Solan to examine the extent of damage caused by landslides, land sinking, and damage to houses, crops, roads, and water supply schemes. Officials representing finance, rural development, roads, Jal Shakti, agriculture, and the National Remote Sensing Centre were part of the visiting team.
State officials discussed a memorandum estimating losses at around Rs 3,400 crore with the central team. Chief Secretary K.K. Pant chaired the meeting with senior officials and department heads. The central team also met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who briefed them on the state requirements for relief and reconstruction. The Chief Minister requested the early release of financial assistance, noting that norms for Himalayan states differ and the working season in the region is short. The central team will examine the final memorandum and submit its recommendations to the Central Government.
