Centre Approves ₹2006.4 Cr Relief to Himachal for 2023 Disaster Recovery

In a landmark move to support disaster-hit regions, the Government of India has approved ₹2006.40 crore in central assistance for Himachal Pradesh, aimed at implementing a comprehensive Recovery and Reconstruction Plan following the devastating 2023 monsoon floods, landslides, and cloudburst incidents. This financial boost will significantly enhance the state’s capacity to rebuild critical infrastructure, restore public services, and support affected communities.

The decision was taken by a High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, which includes the Finance Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog as members. The assistance will be provided through the Recovery and Reconstruction funding window under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

Breakdown of the Assistance Package

The approved ₹2006.40 crore comprises a central share of ₹1504.80 crore, while the remaining share will be contributed by the state government. This funding will directly address damage and losses incurred during the 2023 monsoon, which saw large-scale destruction of homes, roads, public utilities, and agricultural land across the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh.

Earlier, in December 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs had sanctioned ₹633.73 crore as additional interim relief from the NDRF, further demonstrating the Centre’s responsiveness to the immediate needs of disaster-hit areas.

Wider Central Government Disaster Support Efforts

This aid for Himachal is part of the Union Government’s larger commitment to a disaster-resilient India, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the stewardship of Shri Amit Shah, has led several transformative initiatives in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation.

The Centre has also approved similar recovery packages for:

• Uttarakhand: ₹1658.17 crore following the Joshimath land subsidence crisis.

• Sikkim: ₹555.27 crore in the aftermath of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) incident in 2023.

In addition to post-disaster relief, the government has laid out a robust multi-hazard mitigation strategy with an overall financial outlay of ₹7253.51 crore, covering:

• Urban Flood Management – ₹3075.65 crore

• Landslide Risk Reduction – ₹1000 crore

• GLOF Mitigation – ₹150 crore

• Forest Fire Prevention – ₹818.92 crore

• Lightning Mitigation – ₹186.78 crore

• Drought Preparedness – ₹2022.16 crore

These efforts are intended to reduce vulnerabilities and create infrastructure that can withstand extreme climatic events.

Disbursements Under Various Funds in FY 2024-25

For the ongoing fiscal year, the central government has already demonstrated its financial commitment to state disaster management agencies:

• ₹20,264.40 crore released to 28 States under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

• ₹5,160.76 crore under the NDRF to 19 States

• ₹4,984.25 crore disbursed from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 19 States

• ₹719.72 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to 8 States

This ensures that states are not only supported post-disaster but are also well-equipped to plan ahead and mitigate potential risks.

Vision for a Safer, Resilient Himachal and Beyond

The devastating events of 2023 exposed the vulnerabilities of Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh to climate-driven disasters. However, the ₹2006.4 crore recovery package is a critical step forward in restoring normalcy and rebuilding with resilience. It will enable infrastructure redevelopment, improve early warning systems, and empower local institutions to manage future risks more effectively.

As India continues to experience the growing impacts of climate change, such robust and timely support from the Centre not only reflects fiscal solidarity with disaster-hit states but also reinforces the government’s strategic commitment to building a more resilient nation.