Union ministers begin visits to flood-hit Himachal to review relief

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, September 13

Union ministers have begun touring disaster-affected regions of Himachal Pradesh to review relief operations and report directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visits follow the central government’s approval of more than ₹1,500 crore in assistance for flood and landslide-hit areas of the state. BJP leaders have described the aid as a “milestone decision” that will accelerate rehabilitation in districts worst affected by the disaster, including Chamba, Mandi and Kullu.

BJP state general secretary Payal Vaidya said the government was keeping a close watch on the situation and expressed gratitude to Modi for prioritising the needs of Himachal Pradesh. In line with party president J P Nadda’s directions, ministers have been asked to spend time at the tehsil level between 12 and 15 September to ensure relief work reaches local communities.

The schedule includes Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, in Manali; Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in Banjar; Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport, in Siraj, Mandi and Kullu; and Durga Das Uike, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, in Bhatiyat and Bharmaur. Other ministers, including Sukanta Majumdar (education), Jitin Prasada (commerce and industry) and Jadhav Rao Ganpat Rao (health and family welfare), are expected to announce their visits shortly.

The BJP said ministers’ reports will be submitted to the prime minister to guide further relief and rehabilitation measures. It also welcomed their presence in Himachal, saying it demonstrated the central government’s commitment to support the state during its recovery.