Call for Central Government Financial Aid for Flood-Hit Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

The central government should provide financial assistance to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in a bipartisan manner. This comes after cloudbursts, landslides, and floods claimed nearly two dozen lives, with several people still missing. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari demanded this support in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

Tiwari highlighted that six people have died and 50 are missing due to cloudbursts in Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh. He also mentioned the closure of three national highways and many other roads, leading to the stranding of tourists and commuters. In Uttarakhand, heavy rains have led to the death of 16 people and many others missing. In total, 22 people have died and 60 are missing due to the cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Tiwari urged the central government to provide adequate financial assistance, emphasizing that Himachal Pradesh did not receive such support last time. Other lawmakers also raised important issues.

For instance, Tiruchi Siva of the DMK spoke about the welfare of gig workers, emphasizing the need for a national framework to regulate the gig economy and protect the basic rights of gig workers.

Kartikeya Sharma (Independent) called for the upgrading of one government hospital in each district of Haryana to a super speciality centre for integrated medicines.

DMK’s M Shanmugam demanded strict monitoring of pesticide and chemical use in the agricultural sector, promoting the use of bio-pesticides and the optimal use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Muzibulla Khan (BJD) sought a direct flight from Delhi to Jagdalpur in Chattisgarh to facilitate travel for tourists and business executives. Lastly, Sangeeta Balant of BJP demanded the commencement of commercial air service from Andhau Airstrip in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district.