Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla took decisive action on Sunday, personally distributing food and essential relief materials to disaster-stricken residents at an auditorium in Banikhet Nagar Panchayat, Chamba district. The region, battered by devastating flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides in recent months, has faced significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure, prompting urgent intervention from state and central authorities.

Addressing a gathering of affected locals, Shukla highlighted the growing vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh to natural calamities. “The frequency and intensity of disasters have surged since 2023, disrupting lives and stalling development,” he said, underscoring the urgent need to conserve natural resources to mitigate future risks. He praised the resilience of Chamba’s residents, who have faced these adversities with remarkable courage, and expressed optimism for normalcy within two to three months through coordinated relief efforts.

The governor extended gratitude to the Central government for its swift response, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for relief and rehabilitation across the state. Shukla assured that additional funds would be forthcoming based on ongoing assessments by Union ministers and an inter-ministerial central team tasked with evaluating the damage. To address immediate needs, he urged public representatives to compile detailed lists of required food and relief supplies, to be sent to his secretary’s office, the state Red Cross, the deputy commissioner, and the district Red Cross chairman for prompt action.

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Shukla also took a hands-on approach, flagging off vehicles loaded with relief materials to various affected areas and inspecting damaged sites along National Highway 154A, as well as regions near Banikhet town, Kakiyana village, and Chauhda. His visits provided a firsthand assessment of the destruction, reinforcing the state’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods.

The relief distribution event marks a critical step in Chamba’s recovery, with the governor’s proactive measures boosting morale among locals. Community leaders praised his leadership, noting that the aid—ranging from food supplies to blankets and medical kits—addresses urgent needs in remote areas cut off by landslides. As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the rising toll of climate-driven disasters, Shukla’s call for sustainable practices and robust disaster preparedness signals a broader push to safeguard the state’s future, while immediate relief efforts aim to bring hope and stability to Chamba’s resilient communities.

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