As heavy rains lash Himachal Pradesh, the entire state has been declared "disaster-hit" where relief and rescue operations are going on in full swing, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu told the Assembly on Monday, with four deaths reported in Shimla.
Making a suo motu statement in the House, Sukhu said 10,000 out of the 15,000 pilgrims stranded en route Manimahesh in Chamba district have been rescued, and the situation is being closely monitored.
The CM also informed that the Disaster Management Act has been invoked in response to the situation, while blaming climate change for the disaster.
“The losses due to cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides have been estimated at Rs 3,560 crore. Maximum damage has been caused to roads, bridges and water and power supply systems. I have conducted an aerial survey (of the disaster-hit areas),” the chief minister said.
The 25 km stretch of Chamba-Bharmour National Highway and Chamba-Salooni-Padri-Jot road has been opened, and Manimahesh yatris from Jammu and Srinagar are being sent through this route, Sukhu said, adding that he has been discussing relief and rescue operations with the Chamba district administration.
Giving details of the operations, Sukhu said that work is going on in full swing to open the Kullu-Mandi National Highway, while fruits and vegetables of farmers stuck on the roads are being moved through the Kullu side.
Power supply has been restored at most places, telecommunication links have been fixed in the entire Kullu district, while mobile networks are being restored in the tribal Lahaul-Spiti district, Sukhu said.
The chief minister also said that Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters airdropped ration in Keylong, while five patients, including a child and a pregnant woman, were airlifted for treatment.
The Lahaul-Rohtang-Manali route has been opened, and cooked food, dry ration, blankets, and sleeping bags are being distributed to the affected people, he said.
What is a disaster?
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines “disaster” as a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made causes, or by accident or negligence which results in substantial loss of life or human suffering. It also includes damage to, and destruction of, property, degradation of environment, and is of such a nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity of the community of the affected area.
What is the Disaster Management Act?
The Disaster Management Act, 2005 is a central law enacted to ensure effective management of disasters in India.
The Act provides a comprehensive legal and institutional framework at the national, state, and district levels for disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
Most importantly, it provides for the foundation for the establishment of statutory bodies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), along with specialised agencies and dedicated funds for disaster response and mitigation.
Himachal Pradesh passes resolution
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on August 28 passed a resolution urging the Central Government to declare the destruction caused by heavy rains across the state as a national disaster.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan moved the resolution under Rule 102, saying that since the entire state has suffered massive devastation, the Assembly should urge the Centre to provide financial assistance and declare the calamity a national disaster.
The resolution was passed by voice vote with support from opposition members. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said the Centre must provide special assistance and relief funds to Himachal to deal with the unprecedented situation due to the rain disaster and expedite relief and restoration works.
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