New Delhi, July 17: As Himachal Pradesh reels under the impact of a destructive monsoon season, BJP MP Anurag Thakur has appealed to the state government to increase the immediate relief amounts being provided to affected citizens, especially small business owners and shopkeepers.
The Hamirpur MP emphasized that many people in Mandi district, one of the worst-hit areas, have been rendered homeless, with their homes too unsafe to return to. He stated that although the Centre is extending full support, more must be done at the state level.
“People are living away from their damaged homes for months. Shopkeepers get just Rs 2,500 in compensation—out of which Rs 1,000 goes toward cleaning mud. It’s not enough. I appeal to the state government to revise the relief upwards,” said Thakur.
Relief to be Raised in Parliament
Thakur confirmed that the issue would be brought up in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, set to begin on August 21. He also added that the BJP has been helping provide essentials like food, ration, clothing, and medical supplies to the affected.
Monsoon Toll and Damages
According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA):
- 109 deaths have occurred in Himachal Pradesh between June 20 and July 16, 2025
- 64 deaths directly linked to rain-related incidents
- 45 fatalities due to road accidents
- Causes of fatalities: Landslides, cloudbursts, flash floods, drowning, electrocution, snake bites, and falls
- Worst-hit districts: Mandi and Kangra (16 deaths each)
- Estimated damage: Over ₹883 crore
- Damage to over 43,000 infrastructure assets including roads, power lines, water schemes, and public buildings
- Loss of 1,228 cattle and 21,500 poultry birds
Ongoing Response and Central Assistance
The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and district-level control rooms are operating 24/7. Relief measures including ex-gratia payments are being processed for affected families.
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah, informing him that the state has already suffered over ₹1,000 crore in damages, even though the monsoon season is far from over. A central assessment team is expected to visit the state shortly.