CM Sukhu expresses grief over Nepal disaster

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Himachal CM says climate change is intensifying extreme weather and disaster risks across the Himalayan region

Shimla, August 27

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the tragedy in Nepal, saying the disaster highlighted the growing impact of climate change across the Himalayan region.

Sukhu said reports indicated that 133 Indian nationals were missing in Nepal. However, he said the Centre had not yet informed him of any missing person from Himachal Pradesh.

Calling the disaster deeply distressing, Sukhu said changing weather patterns were increasingly evident and could affect Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and the wider Himalayan region. The Himachal Pradesh Assembly also observed a two-minute silence for those who lost their lives in the Nepal tragedy.

Sukhu said the state had continued to hold disaster-management meetings following the disasters of 2023-24. He said alerts were issued in advance in areas facing heavy rainfall, cloudbursts and sudden flooding in rivers. Although Himachal had received comparatively less rainfall recently, administrations in areas experiencing intense rain or cloudbursts were being alerted in advance.

He said climate change and the rising frequency of disasters needed to be studied across Asia. Sukhu recalled seeking a study by teams comprising IIT experts, environmental specialists and scientists after meeting the Union Home Minister following the disasters in Himachal. A team subsequently visited the state, although he said he was unaware of the outcome of the study.

Based on his experience, Sukhu said climate change was a major factor behind the increasing incidence of cloudbursts and the growing scale of damage. He added that landslides were a natural process in mountainous areas, particularly following hill cutting, and could continue until conditions stabilised.

On the Rs 1,500 crore relief announced by the Prime Minister, Sukhu said the process was still underway at the Delhi level and Himachal Pradesh could not consider the amount sanctioned until formal approval was received from the Centre.

He also said the government would examine concerns raised by the Opposition over lotteries. On glacial lakes, he said the government was monitoring developments and consulting experts.

Sukhu further questioned toll collection on national highways where road conditions were poor and said he would raise the matter with National Highways Authority of India officials. He also said Himachal Pradesh was seeking 50 per cent royalty from its water resources and had written to the Centre on the issue.

On Raksha Bandhan, Sukhu said the government had declared a holiday across Himachal Pradesh for offices, schools and colleges to enable sisters to celebrate the festival with their brothers and families.