Himachal Minister Jagat Singh Negi seeks larger disaster mitigation funding, questions special package
Minister Jagat Singh Negi demands more central funding for disaster mitigation in Himachal Pradesh to tackle landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi has made a strong plea to the Central Government for a significant increase in funding dedicated to disaster mitigation. Speaking on the state's unique vulnerabilities, the Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister emphasized that simply providing relief after a catastrophe is no longer enough to protect the Himalayan state from recurring threats.
Moving Beyond Post-Disaster Relief
The Minister highlighted that the state faces constant risks from landslides, flash floods, and glacial lake outburst floods, alongside the continuous damage to rivers and streams. He argued that the current approach, which focuses heavily on post-disaster assistance, fails to address the underlying geological fragility of the region.
Negi pointed out that while the state receives routine assistance through established disaster-response mechanisms, these funds represent only a tiny fraction of the actual losses incurred. He stressed that because the nature of disasters in the Himalayas is fundamentally different from other regions, Himachal Pradesh requires a dedicated special package rather than standard allocations.
Massive Losses and the Need for a Special Package
The demand for increased funding comes as the state grapples with staggering financial setbacks. Key details regarding the state's economic struggle include:
- The 2023 Crisis: The disaster in 2023 caused losses exceeding Rs 12,000 crore, yet the assistance sanctioned has been significantly lower.
- Current Monsoon Impact: Cumulative monsoon losses have surpassed Rs 3,220 crore, with 373 deaths reported up to September 28.
- Specific Regional Damage: In Kangra alone, road damage is estimated at approximately Rs 269.77 crore, while drinking-water schemes have suffered losses of over Rs 64 crore.
The state government has recently submitted a memorandum seeking roughly Rs 3,200 crore to cover the losses sustained during the current monsoon season.
A Call for Annual Mitigation Investment
Minister Negi proposed a strategic shift toward preventive measures, suggesting that the Centre should provide at least Rs 1,000 crore annually specifically for mitigation works. He noted that strengthening riverbanks, drains, and vulnerable infrastructure is critical for long-term safety.
He provided a breakdown of the massive investments required for specific high-risk zones:
- Kinnaur: Potential requirement of Rs 400-500 crore for flood-prone areas.
- Other Critical Zones: Substantial investments are also urgently needed in Kullu-Manali, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba.
The Glacial Threat and Technology
The Minister also raised alarms regarding the increasing threat of glacial lake outburst floods. He criticized the current cycle of conducting studies without implementing actual solutions, stating, "The issue is not merely to go there, study the lakes and highlight the threat. The question is what we will do if the water volume increases or a lake overflows."
Negi suggested that instead of just more assessments, the government should utilize existing satellite technology to monitor changes in glacial lakes and direct those resources toward practical mitigation measures. He also expressed concern that high-powered committees often visit the state without sufficient engagement with local stakeholders who understand the ground reality.
The call for action follows a four-day assessment visit by a seven-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team, led by Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary M Ramachandrudu, which began on September 28 to evaluate the monsoon damage across the state.