Dharamshala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (9th September, 2025) announced a financial assistance package of ?1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh to help the state recover from the devastation caused by heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides.
The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas before chairing a high-level review meeting at Gaggal Airport, Dharamshala. He assured the people of Himachal that the Union Government stands firmly with them during this crisis and will extend all possible support in relief and rehabilitation.
Modi said that in addition to the immediate assistance, the Centre has already dispatched Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to assess the extent of the damage, and based on their detailed reports, further aid will be considered.
As part of the relief package, the Centre has approved the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and benefits under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Other measures include:
- PM Awas Yojana: Geotagging of damaged houses for accurate damage assessment and speedy aid delivery.
- Education Relief: Geotagging of school damages to ensure timely assistance under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Agriculture Support: Additional assistance for farmers lacking power connections and provision of mini-kits for livestock.
- Infrastructure Restoration: Repair of national highways and construction of recharge structures for rainwater harvesting.
- Ex-gratia Relief: ?2 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives and ?50,000 for the seriously injured.
The Prime Minister also met families affected by the calamity, expressing condolences to those who lost loved ones. Appreciating the tireless efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Army, state administration, and volunteers, he emphasized that all assistance under disaster management rules will be expedited, including advance disbursements to the state.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who briefed the Prime Minister during the meeting, urged the Centre to amend the Central Forest Act, 1950, so that at least one bigha of land could be allotted to displaced families. He pointed out that 68% of the state’s land is categorized as forest land, leaving the government unable to provide land to the affected.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that the state has suffered an initial estimated loss of ?5,000 crore, which could rise to ?10,000–12,000 crore, and requested a special relief package. He further sought the construction of the Bhabhujot tunnel from Pathankot to Manali to ensure the route remains open throughout the year.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Chief Minister Sukhu, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, state cabinet ministers, MLAs, and MPs of Himachal Pradesh were present at the airport to receive the Prime Minister.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
