'Quick relief, rehab for disaster-hit our top priority'

As Himachal Pradesh continues to grapple with the devastation caused by cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods over the past three weeks, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu faces a formidable challenge of delivering timely relief and rehabilitation. From rushing to disaster-hit areas to engaging with Union ministers, he is leaving no stone unturned to mitigate the aftermath of the second major natural calamity to strike the hill state over the last two years. In a wide-ranging conversation with Executive Editor Ramesh Vinayak at his official Oakover residence in Shimla on Saturday, the 61-year-old senior Congress leader discussed the challenges ahead, his expectations from the Centre, and his key priorities for the second half of his five-year term. Edited excerpts:

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Himachal is currently reeling under its second major natural disaster in the last two years due to monsoon fury. What is your assessment of the damage suffered so far?

The recent disaster has caused an estimated loss of ₹1,100 crore. At least 85 lives have been lost, and 34 people are still missing. Mandi district and adjoining parts of Kullu have borne the brunt of the damage. A hydroelectric project in the region alone suffered losses worth ₹100 crore. The calamity has also severely hit the monsoon tourism season. The monsoon began just three weeks ago and is still active—it's difficult to predict what lies ahead.

What are the reasons behind the increasing frequency of such weather-related calamities in Himachal?

It’s primarily due to climate change. Until a few years ago, the cold desert regions of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur received barely 10% rainfall, but today it's closer to 30%. Climate change has led to a surge in cloudbursts, triggering violent flash floods and massive landslides with little to no warning for people in vulnerable areas. Himachal has never experienced so many monsoon-induced cloudbursts before. We've asked the Centre to commission a scientific study into this alarming phenomenon.

You recently met Union ministers seeking early release of disaster relief funds. What has been the response so far?