PM Modi Announces ₹1,500 Crore Relief Package for Flood-Hit Himachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2025, announced a relief package worth ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after devastating monsoon rains triggered floods, landslides, and cloudbursts across the state. The announcement came after he conducted an aerial survey of some of the worst-affected districts, including Mandi, Kullu, Shimla, and Chamba. From the air, the extent of the damage was visible—washed-out bridges, collapsed homes, and broken roads cutting off vital routes to villages and towns.

Following the survey, the Prime Minister chaired a high-level review meeting in Kangra with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, and senior officials. He assured the people of Himachal Pradesh that the Centre would stand firmly with them during this unprecedented crisis.

PM Narendra Modi conducts aerial surveys of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the two states affected by flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rain. (Image: X/ @narendramodi) | India Today

Human and Economic Losses

The torrential rains have left behind a grim trail of destruction. According to official estimates, nearly 370 people have lost their lives, many due to landslides, flash floods, and road accidents. Several others remain missing, while thousands have been displaced from their homes.

The economic toll is equally staggering. Infrastructure losses are estimated to be over ₹4,100 crore, with more than 6,300 houses either fully or partially damaged. In addition, 461 shops and factories, along with government and private buildings, have also suffered extensive damage. In Shimla district alone, losses are pegged at ₹80 crore, with apple growers facing massive setbacks due to transport disruptions.

Relief and Rehabilitation Measures

The relief package announced by PM Modi is designed to cover multiple aspects of rehabilitation. Families of victims will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh, while those injured will get ₹50,000. In addition, the Centre has released the second instalments of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi in advance to ease immediate financial burdens.

For those who have lost their homes, the government has committed to rebuilding under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Each damaged house will be geotagged to ensure transparent assessment and timely reconstruction. The government has also prioritized restoring schools under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and repairing national highways and rural roads that have been washed away.

Beyond infrastructure, the package extends to livelihoods. Farmers will receive agricultural support, including livestock kits and special assistance for those without power connections. In addition, the Centre plans to construct water harvesting and recharge structures to ensure long-term water security in the hilly regions.

State and Central Coordination

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has already declared Himachal Pradesh a “disaster-hit” state under the Disaster Management Act, which enables faster access to funds and resources. He has also urged officials to intensify rescue and relief operations, ensuring food, shelter, and health services reach remote villages.

Meanwhile, the Centre has dispatched inter-ministerial teams to conduct on-ground assessments. Their findings will guide any further financial assistance from Delhi. The Prime Minister also met with affected families in Kangra, offering personal condolences to those who lost loved ones and reassurance that no family would be left behind in the recovery process.

Political Reactions and Demands

While the announcement has been welcomed across the political spectrum, opposition voices have urged for more targeted relief. Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur called for region-specific packages, easier regulations for rebuilding in forest areas, and scientific studies to prevent recurrent disasters.

The state cabinet had earlier approved enhanced compensation measures, including ₹7 lakh for families who lost their homes and financial assistance for shopkeepers, livestock owners, and tenants. The central package is now expected to complement these measures, ensuring that both immediate needs and long-term rehabilitation are adequately addressed.

The MGMM Outlook

The devastating monsoon in Himachal Pradesh has left behind immense human and material losses, with hundreds of lives lost, thousands displaced, and infrastructure worth thousands of crores destroyed. In this hour of crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s immediate announcement of a ₹1,500 crore relief package demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to stand firmly with the people of Himachal. His aerial survey and on-ground assessment highlighted the urgent need for swift rehabilitation. The package includes compensation for victims’ families, reconstruction of damaged homes under PMAY, support for farmers, and rebuilding of essential infrastructure like roads and schools, ensuring that recovery is not only immediate but also sustainable.

From our perspective, this relief is not just financial aid but a reassurance to the people that the nation will not abandon them in their darkest hour. The combined efforts of the state and Centre reflect a sense of unity and responsibility in addressing both short-term relief and long-term resilience against natural calamities. By prioritizing livelihoods, water security, and housing reconstruction, the package also lays the foundation for a stronger Himachal that can withstand future challenges. This initiative stands as an example of how responsive governance can bring hope and stability to communities facing such unprecedented destruction.

(Sources: India TV News, India Today, NDTV)