Himachal Pradesh is facing a major calamity as relentless monsoon rains have triggered a series of disasters across the state, resulting in losses estimated at over ₹883.15 crore and claiming 109 lives by mid-July 2025, reported New Indian Express. Torrential rainfall has led to the occurrence of 32 flash floods, 22 cloudbursts, and 18 landslides, severely impacting both infrastructure and the livelihoods of residents.
In the wake of this devastation, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has made an appeal to the Union Government for urgent special relief assistance. The state administration is striving to rehabilitate families who have lost homes, land, and income due to these rain-triggered disasters. The Chief Minister underscored the state’s limited resources and emphasized that only substantial central government support will allow Himachal Pradesh to recover and rebuild.
Alongside the request for central aid, the state government has committed to providing its own relief package after receiving Cabinet approval. Sukhu shared that he has tabled a proposal with various union ministers in Delhi, including a plea to allot five bighas of land under the Forest Rights Act to families displaced by these disasters. He also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the worst-affected districts; Shah is expected to make an assessment visit soon. Meetings were also held with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, who offered assurances of sympathetic consideration, and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, to expedite much-needed infrastructure projects like the Bhubhu Jot tunnel and ongoing highway construction, all considered crucial for state connectivity and future disaster preparedness.
The scope of the disaster has left much of the state’s infrastructure crippled. At present, 226 roads, including a national highway, remain closed. Districts like Mandi and Sirmaur have been the hardest hit in terms of road closures. Additionally, the aftermath has seen 52 electricity transformers and 137 water supply schemes rendered inoperative, primarily in Mandi and Kangra, further compounding the hardship faced by local communities as basic services have been disrupted.
The weather forecast signals little immediate respite. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert across several districts through July 20, with an orange alert in effect for July 21 and 22 due to the risk of additional heavy to very heavy rainfall. Authorities warn that these conditions could trigger more flash floods and landslides, and residents should brace for a dip in temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Legal and policy measures are also under discussion, with the state seeking guidance from the High Court to allow extra time for the auctioning of fruit-laden apple trees that could be impacted by ongoing relief operations. Chief Minister Sukhu has planned further meetings with the Horticulture Minister and senior officials to address legal and compensation issues affecting local farmers.
On a broader scale, Himachal Pradesh continues to urge the Centre to expedite strategic infrastructure projects, such as the Shimla-Shalaghat tunnel and key four-lane highways, that are seen as vital for building long-term resilience to natural disasters. The Chief Minister has also placed a request before the 16th Finance Commission for tailored financial support, highlighting the extraordinary challenges faced by the state during this monsoon season.
As Himachal Pradesh battles nature’s onslaught, the focus remains firmly on immediate relief for affected citizens, restoration of crucial services, and securing central aid for comprehensive recovery and future disaster readiness.
Photo Credit: New Indian Express
For more regional stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
