Estimate of destruction in Himachal Pradesh due to July-Aug rains

The recent monsoon rains in Himachal Pradesh have caused widespread destruction and damage to the state’s infrastructure. The estimated cost of the damage is around 10,000 crore rupees. This includes damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

The state has experienced a staggering 113 landslides over a span of 55 days since the onset of the monsoon in an alarming statistic. These natural calamities have caused significant monetary losses, estimated at ₹2,491 crore for the Public Works Department (PWD) and ₹1,000 crore for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The rains triggered landslides, blocked highways, and caused power disruptions and bridge damage. The state's road infrastructure suffered significant damage, leading to major transportation problems due to the closure of many roads. Local residents' homes also suffered severe damage.

The heaviest rains fell in the state's Shimla, Solan, Mandi, and Bilaspur districts. Landslides have blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and damaged homes and businesses. In some cases, entire villages have been wiped out.

July-August 2023 rains linked factors

The heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh from July to August 2023 resulted from a combination of factors, including a robust monsoon system and deforestation.

The monsoon is a seasonal weather pattern that brings heavy rains to South Asia. In Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon typically begins in July and ends in September. However, the monsoon this year was particularly strong, bringing more rain than usual.

Deforestation is also a major contributor to landslides in Himachal Pradesh. Trees help to hold the soil in place, but when they are cut down, the soil is more likely to erode and slide.

The heavy rains caused a series of landslides across Himachal Pradesh. These landslides blocked roads, destroyed bridges, and damaged homes and businesses. In some cases, entire villages were wiped out.

The landslides have had a devastating impact on the lives of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Many people have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. The state government is working to provide relief and rehabilitation to the affected people.

Impact on infrastructure

The heavy rains have also had a significant impact on infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. Over 1,000 roads in the state have been damaged, including national highways, state highways, and local roads.

According to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the damage to the roads has resulted in a loss of approximately 100 crore rupees. The NHAI is likely to deploy more machinery to repair the damaged roads.

The NHAI has begun repairs to the damaged roads, but it is expected to take several months to restore all of them. The damage to the roads has disrupted transportation and made it difficult for people to travel around the state.

In addition to roads, the rains have also damaged bridges, power lines, and other infrastructure. This has further disrupted the lives of the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Relief and rehabilitation

The state government is working to provide relief and rehabilitation to the affected people of Himachal Pradesh. The government has set up relief camps and is providing food, water, and shelter to the homelessness.

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to provide compensation of 5 lakh rupees for each expected death, 50% of the property, and 100% of the property’s value. The state government has not yet disclosed how many people have died or how much compensation has been paid.

The Chief Minister announced increased financial aid after a severe tragedy. Earlier, for damaged houses, the assistance was Rs. 12,500 for pucca houses and Rs. 10,000 for kutcha houses. Now, it's raised to Rs. 1 lakh for both. Shops and dhabas will get Rs. 1 lakh instead of the previous Rs. 10,000.

For tenant goods, the aid was Rs. 25,000, now doubled to Rs. 50,000. Compensation for silt in land increases from Rs. 1400 to Rs. 5000 per bigha. Damaged agricultural land support rises from Rs. 3600 to Rs. 10,000 per bigha.

Crop damage aid for farmers and gardeners goes up from Rs. 300-500 to Rs. 2000 per bigha. For deceased cattle, milch or draught, assistance increases to Rs. 55,000 from Rs. 37,500. Sheep, goat, and pig aid rise from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000.

The heavy rains that fell in Himachal Pradesh in July-August 2023 were a major disaster. The rains caused widespread destruction and loss of life. The state government is working to provide relief and rehabilitation to the affected people, but it will take years for the state to recover from the damage.

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