Comprehensive Relief Package Announced
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday unveiled a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for families affected by the recent cloudburst in the Boh area of Kangra district. The package includes Rs 8.50 lakh for the construction of new houses and the allotment of government land for those rendered landless. Sukhu visited the cloudburst-hit villages in Shahpur subdivision to assess damage and review ongoing relief measures. He also inspected a relief camp at Government Senior Secondary School, Boh, and interacted with affected families.
Financial Compensation Details
According to the chief minister, families whose houses were completely destroyed will receive Rs 8.50 lakh for house construction, in addition to Rs 1 lakh for purchasing essential household items such as clothes and utensils. Landless families will be allotted suitable government land to rebuild their homes. Compensation of Rs 55,000 will be provided for each head of cattle lost and Rs 15,000 for every goat. Families with flood-damaged houses will get Rs 1 lakh in assistance, while owners of damaged shops will receive financial aid ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the extent of damage. Crop loss compensation has been set at Rs 5,000 per kanal.
Rehabilitation and Infrastructure Measures
Families staying in rented accommodation during the rehabilitation period will receive monthly rent assistance of Rs 5,000 along with six months of free ration. The chief minister also announced the upgradation of the Ridkamar Primary Health Centre to a Community Health Centre. Sukhu stated that the state government has substantially enhanced disaster relief norms by amending existing rules for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, and has created a Special Disaster Relief Fund to ensure timely financial assistance.
Interim relief of Rs 25,000 each has already been released to 25 affected families, while another 16 families have received Rs 10,000 each. The administration has prepared 13 revenue certificates, initiated the issuance of bonafide certificates, and begun reissuing educational documents lost in the disaster. Suitable land is being identified for permanent rehabilitation. Assuring full government support, Sukhu said no stone would be left unturned to ensure relief and rehabilitation.
Impact and Administration Response
According to the district administration, the cloudburst affected 25 families in Ghurghun, Bhangar, and Sapeda villages. Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania and senior administrative officials accompanied the chief minister during the visit. The relief package aims to address both immediate needs and long-term rebuilding efforts for the affected communities.
