Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Union government to relax the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, so land can be used to resettle families hit by the monsoon disaster. He also demanded at least one bigha of land for every family whose homes and farms were washed away.
Sukhu pointed out that 68% of Himachal’s land falls under forests. The state government cannot use even an inch of that land for rehabilitation under the existing law. He appealed to the Centre to relax the provisions to make forest land available.
CM said the government has already announced a special package for Mandi district, the worst affected by floods and landslides. He added that the Seraj constituency, which suffered the most damage, will get maximum benefit. He further said the government will pay the registration fee if relatives donate land to displaced families.
Reminder of Past Appeal
Sukhu recalled that the assembly had passed a resolution in 2023, demanding ₹10,000 crore in relief aid from the Centre. However, he alleged that the BJP had refused to support it at the time. Now, he noted, a BJP delegation has met central leaders seeking relief. He welcomed the move but stressed that Himachal still awaits a special package.
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He said he has met PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He also mentioned that the Centre had sent a scientific team to study the recurring disaster patterns in the state.
Political Tensions Surface
The disaster relief debate has also highlighted political tensions in Himachal. Sukhu urged the Centre to intervene while lamenting the BJP’s previous lack of support. But now, BJP leaders are advocating for assistance, which begs the questions of how the centre and the state work together.
This political tug-of-war risks overshadowing urgent rehabilitation needs. Disaster-hit families remain in limbo while both sides trade blame.
On University Appointment Row
Speaking on the row over vice-chancellor appointments at Dr YS Parmar Horticulture University and the agricultural university in Palampur, Sukhu said the issue was misrepresented to the governor. He clarified that the cabinet and state legislation had approved the advertisements. He promised to meet with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to resolve the matter.
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The governor, while avoiding comments on the court stay, defended his actions. He said he worked in the universities’ interest and respected the high court’s decision.
Monsoon Losses and Relief
Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said Himachal has suffered massive losses in the past two years. He said last year’s losses crossed ₹10,000 crore, but the Centre did not provide adequate help. This year again, major damage has occurred, especially in the Jal Shakti department. Many water schemes have been destroyed.
Agnihotri said the government revised its relief package. It now includes compensation for damaged houses, lost animals, and land. He said deputy commissioners can notify new disaster-hit areas to bring them under relief.
Legacy of Virbhadra Singh
Agnihotri also addressed the delay in unveiling the statue of former CM Virbhadra Singh at Ridge Maidan in Shimla. He said the event was postponed due to bad weather.
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He praised Singh as a towering leader who shaped modern Himachal. The statue will be unveiled when conditions improve, with central leaders’ participation.
