Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs) from the state to support the government’s efforts in rehabilitating thousands of disaster-affected families by facilitating necessary clearances for forest land allocation. His appeal comes at a time when rehabilitation and reconstruction remain a top priority for the state administration following devastating landslides and floods in recent monsoons.
Context: Widespread destruction due to monsoon disasters
In the past two years, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed unprecedented rainfall leading to:
- Flash floods in Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, and Shimla districts
- Landslides destroying houses, roads, and bridges
- Massive displacement of families, particularly in remote hilly villages
As per state government data, over 15,000 families have been rendered homeless or displaced due to damaged homes, land erosion, and safety risks in landslide-prone zones.
CM Sukhu’s appeal to BJP MPs
Addressing the media after a cabinet sub-committee meeting on disaster rehabilitation, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that:
“Rehabilitation of affected families is not a political issue. I appeal to all BJP MPs from Himachal to help us in securing speedy clearances from the central government for use of forest land to build permanent homes for these families.”
He added that while temporary shelters are being provided under the state disaster relief fund, long-term rehabilitation requires diversion of forest land, for which approvals under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) can be facilitated only with central government cooperation.
Challenges in rehabilitation
| Key challenge | Details |
|---|---|
| Forest land clearance delays | Building homes for displaced requires FCA approvals, often taking 12-18 months |
| High cost of land acquisition | Private land purchase is financially unviable for mass rehabilitation |
| Difficult terrain | Limited non-forest land in hilly districts makes forest land diversion essential |
| Livelihood loss | Displaced families also seek land for horticulture and agriculture to restore income |
| Winter urgency | With harsh winters approaching, permanent housing is a critical necessity |
Government’s proposed solution
The Himachal Pradesh government has identified several forest land parcels near existing settlements for rehabilitating disaster-hit families. CM Sukhu stated that the state has submitted proposals to the Centre for diversion of these lands under:
- Section 2 of Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Special provisions for natural disaster rehabilitation under National Disaster Management Authority guidelines
However, he highlighted that clearances are pending, risking prolonged displacement of families who are currently living in makeshift relief camps, rented accommodations, or with relatives.
Opposition’s criticism and government’s counter
BJP leaders have criticised the Congress-led state government for “failure to act quickly” in rehabilitating affected families. In response, CM Sukhu clarified:
“Rehabilitation is a process that requires land and funding. The Centre must act urgently on forest clearances, and our MPs must ensure these proposals are not delayed in Delhi.”
He further urged local MPs to rise above politics and coordinate with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to fast-track approvals.
Impact on affected families
| District | No. of families displaced (approx) | Current rehabilitation status |
|---|---|---|
| Kullu | 3,200 | Living in rented homes, some in prefab shelters |
| Mandi | 4,500 | Temporary camps and school buildings |
| Kangra | 2,100 | Rented accommodations with rental assistance |
| Shimla | 2,700 | School buildings, panchayat ghar converted shelters |
| Solan | 1,500 | Partially rehabilitated with relative support |
Villagers from Mandi and Kullu districts expressed growing concern that winter snowfall will make temporary shelters unlivable, endangering the elderly and children.
Centre-State coordination needed
A senior bureaucrat in the Revenue Department highlighted that:
- Forest clearance for rehabilitation projects often takes over a year, with multiple site inspections, compensatory afforestation plans, and legal vetting.
- Intervention by MPs can speed up file movement in central ministries.
Environmental activists have suggested that rehabilitation in forest land must include eco-sensitive planning, ensuring minimal forest destruction and promoting green housing designs to balance conservation and human safety.
Relief efforts so far
The Himachal Pradesh government has:
- Released Rs 1,000 crore as immediate relief under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
- Sought Rs 9,000 crore from the Centre for long-term rebuilding of infrastructure.
- Set up district-level committees to identify safe rehabilitation sites.
- Launched winterisation drives in relief camps to provide heaters, woollens, and medical care for vulnerable groups.
National political implications
The CM’s call to BJP MPs signals growing frustration within the state government over centre-state coordination bottlenecks. Political analysts note that such appeals highlight the structural challenges of disaster management in India, where overlapping jurisdiction between state and central ministries often delays urgent rehabilitation work.
Future roadmap
The state cabinet sub-committee decided to:
- Review all pending FCA proposals every fortnight.
- Prioritise rehabilitation of families living in extreme-risk zones identified by the Geological Survey of India.
- Launch a centralised grievance redressal portal for disaster victims to track housing and compensation status.
- Continue pursuing World Bank and Asian Development Bank-funded climate resilient infrastructure projects for long-term disaster preparedness.
Conclusion
As Himachal Pradesh grapples with the aftermath of devastating monsoon disasters, CM Sukhu’s outreach to BJP MPs reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, where bipartisan cooperation becomes essential for citizen welfare. For thousands of displaced families, timely forest clearances and rehabilitation remain the only path to rebuilding lives before winter sets in.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on government statements, official meeting briefs, and public records. Readers are advised to verify specific rehabilitation figures and policy updates from official Himachal Pradesh government releases for the latest developments.
