Himachal government defends disaster response, questions Centre’s Rs 1,500 crore aid

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Shimla, July 3

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister’s Principal Media Adviser Naresh Chauhan said isolated incidents of floods and landslides during the monsoon should not be used to portray the entire state as unsafe, asserting that most tourist destinations remain secure and visitors need not panic.

Chauhan said flood and landslide incidents at a few locations during the monsoon are a normal occurrence in the hill state and should not be presented as a widespread crisis or an emerging trend.

He said that extensive media coverage of disasters in a few areas often creates unnecessary fear among tourists about the entire state, even though the actual damage has been limited to specific regions. He added that the state government and local administration are standing with the affected people and that most roads remain open. However, he advised people to avoid visiting rivers and streams during the monsoon.

Responding to the BJP’s allegations over delays in the election of presidents and vice-presidents in municipal councils and municipal committees, Chauhan said that wherever a party has secured a clear majority, these positions are being filled through democratic procedures.

He rejected allegations that democracy was under threat in Himachal Pradesh, claiming instead that democracy across the country was facing challenges, with attempts allegedly being made to intimidate elected representatives through investigative agencies.

Reacting to Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur’s allegations that disaster-affected families in the Seraj region had not received compensation, Chauhan said the expected assistance from the Centre had not been received. He claimed that the state government had already provided more than Rs 7 lakh each in compensation to affected people from its own resources.

He also questioned the status of the Prime Minister’s announced assistance of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, saying there had been no clarity on the funds so far and asking the BJP to explain where the amount had gone.

Commenting on the Ram Temple donation theft case, Chauhan described the incident as extremely unfortunate, saying the temple is associated with the faith of millions of people. He alleged that thefts had been occurring at the temple for the past three years and called for a detailed investigation. He also said the complete account of donations collected for the temple’s construction should be made public.

Speaking on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s visit to Delhi, Chauhan said the Chief Minister regularly presents Himachal Pradesh’s concerns before the Central Government to safeguard the state’s interests and rights, and that this remains the purpose of his visits.