Shimla: An Inter-Ministerial Central Team today called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Shimla. The team, led by M. Ramachandrudu, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, had visited the disaster-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh in September to assess the damage caused by natural calamities.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions with the team regarding the natural disasters experienced in the state during the monsoon season. He said that the impacts of climate change were becoming increasingly evident in Himachal Pradesh and stressed the need for a scientific study of the rising incidents of cloudbursts in the state.
The Chief Minister said that the criteria for release of disaster relief assistance by the Central Government should be revised, as the geographical and climatic conditions of hill states are different from those of the plains.
He further said that Himachal Pradesh plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of northern India and in providing clean air. He also emphasized the need to construct more tunnels during the development of highways in the state.
