Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 10 (ANI): Amid ongoing devastation attributable to heavy rainfall and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, the state’s Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday introduced the federal government’s determination to shift the flood-affected College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag in Mandi district to Sundernagar, citing huge infrastructure harm and security considerations.
Addressing the media, Negi stated that retaining in thoughts the research and security of scholars, the flood-hit faculty has been relocated to a safer location in Sundernagar in Mandi from Thunag.
‘The faculty in Thunag, which capabilities below our Horticulture University, was severely impacted by the flash floods on the night of June 30. Around 300 college students research horticulture and forestry there. It’s lucky that almost all of them weren’t current on campus that evening, as they had been staying in PG lodging or rented properties. Those who had been there managed to avoid wasting their lives by strolling to security.’ He stated.
Negi said that following an evaluation, the college has declared holidays till July 14. ‘Examinations and new admissions are additionally due. We assessed whether or not courses might resume on the unique location, however the infrastructure is severely compromised. Even the buildings are unsafe. So, we determined to shift the faculty to Sundernagar for now,’ he stated.
He clarified that the relocation was a short lived association. ‘We should not merging this faculty with another establishment, and the faculty at Chunal won’t be shut down both,’ he added.
Negi additionally expressed frustration over the faculty being opened earlier with out correct infrastructure.
‘There was no hostel aside from about seven lady college students. Around 95 per cent of the scholars lived in homes close to the nallah, which turned disastrous,’ he stated.
‘We have directed the college to determine a secure and everlasting location the place courses and hostels might be operated instantly. We need the faculty to operate independently and never as a merged entity,’ the minister pressured.
Negi has known as for legislative motion in opposition to unplanned development, he stated, with consensus within the upcoming Assembly session, the state would give you a Law to manage unscientific development.
The minister admitted that unchecked development close to rivers and streams was a significant issue. ‘We typically say homes should not be inside 100 metres of rivers, however folks overlook rapidly. There’s a necessity for strict legal guidelines, and we are going to carry a proposal within the upcoming Assembly session. If handed unanimously, it should pave the way in which for enforcement,’ he said.
Highlighting the state’s plight, Negi alleged that the Union authorities is discriminating in opposition to it by way of help and in post-disaster assist.
‘In 2023, harm value Rs 10,000 crore was assessed in Himachal Pradesh, however we acquired solely Rs 2,006 crore below the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). Even then, 25 per cent of the quantity have to be contributed by the state authorities.’ He stated.
He stated the Rs 2,006 crore contains schemes throughout a number of departments corresponding to PWD, Jal Shakti, Horticulture, Forest, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry.
‘This assist got here late in 2025, although the loss occurred in 2023. Now in 2024, we’re once more going through large-scale destruction. Even BJP’s nationwide president and Union ministers from Himachal have seen it,’ he stated.
‘Despite having the nationwide president of the BJP and Union ministers from Himachal Pradesh, why is the Centre discriminating in opposition to the state on the subject of help?’ he stated, attacking the BJP.
Negi appreciated former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s determination to affix the present Chief Minister in assembly of central leaders. ‘Last time we had requested them to affix us in Delhi. Now they’re keen. That’s step. Only when ache is felt personally does one perceive its gravity,’ he stated.
When requested about Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut’s involvement in flood aid, Negi launched a scathing assault.
‘We’ve heard she is sad. If she’s not joyful being an MP, she ought to resign. Let somebody who desires to serve the folks take her place,’ he stated.
Negi remarked, ‘I believe Kangana Ranaut is healthier suited to Bollywood. There she has every thing make-up artists, ready-made setups. But public service calls for a special mindset. And I do not assume she’s keen to alter that mindset.’
Negi stated the affect of the monsoon was nonetheless rising. ‘The rainfall hasn’t stopped. Mandi district has suffered essentially the most, although harm in different districts can be rising. As of at this time, 2,004 roads are blocked, together with a nationwide freeway close to Kataula in Mandi,’ he stated.
‘Over 700 water schemes are disrupted. Electricity strains have additionally taken a success. Thousands of orchards and farmlands have been washed away. Around 1,300 homes have been reported as partially or utterly broken,’ he added.
He stated a income division committee would assess the harm to make sure real compensation.
‘Often, these with much less harm get extra aid, whereas actual victims endure. We will guarantee this does not occur,’ he stated.
Negi additionally identified that in 2023, Himachal Pradesh was the primary state in India to supply Rs 7 lakh as aid for utterly broken homes.
‘The Centre solely provides Rs 1.2 lakh. Even now, the Centre’s contribution below PDNA limits home compensation to Rs 2 lakh. This must be revised.’
‘The nationwide president of the ruling get together and our MP Kangana Ranaut ought to elevate this situation with the Centre. If they can not do this, then there is no level in speaking about serving the general public,’ Negi added. (ANI)