HP CM asks Centre to permit rehabilitation of disaster-hit families on forest land

Expressing optimism over central support, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said he is hopeful that Union Home Minister Amit Shah's expected visit to the disaster-affected areas of Seraj would pave the way for timely assistance and rehabilitation.

- ASHWANI SHARMA

SHIMLA:

Replying to newsmen's questions about his meeting with Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Nitin Gadkari this week, Sukhu said a central team is expected to visit the affected areas. "Amit Shah is also likely to come to Himachal Pradesh and take a ground-level assessment of the devastation for a better understanding of the scale of the disaster. He will also expedite the release of funds and resources required for immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation of the affected families," said Sukhu.

He informed that Seraj is an area presented to former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur. I told him (Shah) specifically about Jairam Thakur being a local MLA.