Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today expressed deep concern over the increasing number of cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh. Speaking during the 9th meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), he said the issue had already been taken up with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sukhu said natural disasters are a growing threat and tackling climate change is one of the most urgent challenges facing humanity. He stressed the need for safe construction practices, advising people and government departments to build at least 100 metres away from rivers and streams to avoid damage during floods and heavy rains.
Highlighting the recent impact of extreme weather, the CM said Mandi district had received 123% more rainfall than normal, while Shimla saw a 105% increase. In recent days, 19 cloudbursts have been reported, causing major destruction and loss of life and property.
To improve public safety, Sukhu directed the SDMA to provide regular weather updates and to tackle false information being spread on social media. He reminded the public that SDMA is the only official source for weather alerts.
The Chief Minister said the state government is fully focused on helping affected families and restoring normalcy. He warned against unscientific dumping of debris, which is making the situation worse, and said proper systems must be put in place for safe disposal.
Sukhu also spoke about efforts to strengthen the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a new campus being set up in Palampur, Kangra district. A State Institute of Disaster Management will be established at Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Institute of Public Administration in Shimla, and Himachal Pradesh University will help with research and development on disaster response.
He instructed officials to study high-risk glacial lakes and involve local communities in spreading awareness. Referring to the heavy damage suffered during the 2023 monsoon, he said disasters were becoming more frequent and called for greater preparedness.
He also announced that a ₹891 crore disaster risk reduction project is underway. The project aims to strengthen both the state and district disaster management authorities, improve early warning systems, and support risk reduction efforts. The project is expected to be completed by March 2030.
Be the first to comment