Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is seeking a special financial relief package from the Central Government to support the state in the wake of devastating monsoon disasters.

After returning from Delhi on Wednesday, Sukhu addressed the media informally on Thursday and shared key takeaways from his meetings with Union Ministers in the national capital.

"During my visit to Delhi, I held discussions with various Union Ministers on several issues," said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. "I expect that the central government will grant a special package for Himachal Pradesh in view of the current disaster situation," he said.

The state has suffered damages worth approximately ₹1,000 crore due to flash floods and cloudbursts, with cumulative losses of ₹21,000 crore over the past three years.

CM Sukhu met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged for a special relief package, emphasizing the need for flexible funding to efficiently manage relief operations.

He requested amendments to existing norms, including a 30% hike in relief limits, to better support hill states like Himachal Pradesh in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Due to floods and landslides, suggesting alternative land allocation and compensation. A special cabinet meeting will finalize a state-level disaster relief package using available resources, while awaiting central assistance.

The state government plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the High Court's directive to remove encroachments and cut down fruit-bearing apple trees on forest land, after evaluating all legal aspects.

CM Sukhu said that state government would seek legal opinion and would challange this matter in the supreme court.

The Chief Minister also addressed questions related to the Himachal Pradesh High Court's recent directive ordering the removal of encroachments by orchardists and the cutting down of fruit-bearing apple trees on forest land.

"The state government has intervened in this matter," the Chief Minister asserted. "We are not in favor of indiscriminate felling of fruit-bearing trees. Our government wants to allow time for action rather than immediate destruction. Even if there is encroachment on forest land, we must follow a due process," he said

"I will speak to the Horticulture Minister on this matter. I am calling a special meeting to decide how we should proceed. Although the government has put forward its stance, the High Court is not inclined to hear us on this issue." Sukhu added.

Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that the state is planning to approach the Supreme Court, but only after evaluating all legal aspects.

“We will take a legal opinion and then proceed. We will go to the Supreme Court on this matter," he added.

Clarifying the Meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, he said there will not be any change in party leadership, and no such matter was discussed on party issues, as the prime focus right now is the restoration and relief of flood areas, and also to resolve the farming issues of the apple orchards.

Clarifying recent media reports, Sukhu denied any organisational discussions with the Congress leadership during his Delhi visit.

"I did meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji, but only in relation to state matters. There was no discussion regarding party organization. I urge those who published such reports to verify facts before reporting." He said.

"Currently, our focus is not on the organization, but on relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts for disaster-affected people and resolve the issues of the  apple growers. Discussions about party structure will only happen when needed. Right now, there is no change in the organization." he said

Sukhu seeks central support for farmers and land-loss victims. CM Sukhu also stated that he had discussions with Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, urging support for farmers who have lost forest or agricultural land due to the floods and landslides.

"I discussed with JP Nadda ji how farmers have lost land due to the calamity. I suggested that they be given alternative land. He responded positively, saying once we come up with a proposal, the Centre will consider it," he said. He reiterated that small farmers and orchardists who don't own land should be allotted forest land, wherever possible.

"Wherever there is forest land, we want to provide land to small orchardists and landless farmers. Where such land is unavailable, we hope the Centre will step in. Mandi district, including areas represented by former CM Jai Ram Thakur, has seen extensive damage." Sukhu added.

He said that soon there would be a special cabinet meeting on disaster relief.

CM Sukhu announced that the next Cabinet meeting will finalize a state-level disaster relief package from available resources.

"In our next Cabinet meeting, we will approve a relief package using state resources. However, the most crucial thing is a special relief package from the Centre that goes beyond regular budgetary norms." he said.

"The Centre should allow us the flexibility to use such funds as per the situation on the ground. This will help us organize relief operations more efficiently," the Chief Minister added.

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He expressed optimism about central assistance. "I am confident that the Central Government will support Himachal Pradesh during this crisis.", Sukhu added further.