Himachal Pradesh Independence Day Celebrations Commenced Amidst Devastating Rains
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 15 (ANI): The state-level Independence Day celebration in Himachal Pradesh was held today at the historic Ridge, Shimla, despite the ongoing disastrous rains and floods that have wreaked havoc across the state. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the ceremony, expressing solidarity with the affected people and promising aid in this difficult time.
Chief Minister Sukhu hoisted the national flag and took the salute from various contingents including the State Police, Home Guards, NCC, NSS Scouts, and Guides. However, due to the calamitous situation caused by heavy rains, the celebrations were kept simple, with no cultural programs being held across the state.
Addressing the people on this solemn occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Himachal Pradesh due to the devastating rains. He expressed his distress at the suffering of the affected people, with 50 reported deaths in the last 24 hours and over 300 since the onset of the monsoon. Sukhu expressed heartfelt condolences and paid tribute to all those who lost their lives in incidents of cloudbursts and other natural calamities.
The Chief Minister emphasized that financial compensation cannot fully address the pain and loss experienced by the affected people, but assured them that the state government would provide all possible assistance during this hour of distress. He highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is facing its most significant disaster in the last 50 years, with houses and roads crumbling in several areas across the state.
Sukhu commended the rescue and relief efforts carried out by the state government, particularly in evacuating 303 stranded tourists from Chandratal in Lahaul-Spiti district. He noted that the World Bank has also acknowledged the government’s efforts in effectively managing the rescue operations.
The Chief Minister assured horticulturists and farmers that measures would be taken to ensure the transportation of their produce to markets. He revealed that the state government has allocated sufficient funds to restore all link roads up to the Panchayat level in a time-bound manner.
The state has estimated a loss of over Rs. 10,000 crore and is seeking financial assistance from the Central Government for relief and rehabilitation work. Chief Minister Sukhu hoped that the Centre would release the first installment of interim relief to the state soon.
To provide relief to the affected people, the government has announced a special package. The financial assistance for partial house damage has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to one lakh rupees. Damage compensation for dhabas and shops has also been increased to one lakh rupees. Additionally, compensation for silting of agricultural and horticultural land has been raised from Rs. 1400 to Rs. 5000 per bigha.
The Chief Minister highlighted a long-term plan for disaster preparedness, which will involve an expenditure of approximately Rs. 800 crore to mitigate the side effects of such disasters in the future.
Sukhu unveiled the Mukhya Mantri Vidhva Avam Ekal Nari Awas Yojana, a housing scheme specifically for widows, which will provide financial assistance of Rs. 1.5 lakh per woman for construction purposes. He expressed his commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a self-reliant state within four years and one of the most prosperous states in the country within a decade.
The Chief Minister also announced increases in honorariums for freedom fighters, ex-gratia grants for military personnel, financial assistance under various schemes, and support prices for orchardists, including a historic increase of Rs. 1.50 per kilogram for apples.
Chief Minister Sukhu, along with other dignitaries, participated in the state-level program, with him walking from his official residence, Oak Over, to the Ridge. The program concluded with Sukhu returning to Oak Over on foot, interacting with and extending warm Independence Day wishes to the people along the way.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, MLA Harish Janartha, and other officials were also present during the ceremony.
As Himachal Pradesh battles the devastating impact of the rains and flooding, the state government’s efforts to provide aid and support to the affected people remain a top priority. The residents are hoping for swift assistance and relief, as they come together to rebuild their lives amidst the challenging circumstances.
