Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Initiates Hunger Strike, Demands Revised Policy for Himachal Rainfall

Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Tikendar Panwar, initiated a 24-hour hunger strike on Sunday at Ridge Ground, urging a reevaluation of Himachal Pradesh's development model in the wake of recent rain-induced devastation in the region.

Panwar called for the establishment of an inquiry commission led by a retired Supreme Court judge to assess flood-related damages and formulate a fresh policy framework to address such incidents. He also pressed for the prosecution of the National Highway Authority of India and the companies responsible for constructing four-lane highways in the state.

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh has risen to 78. Of these, 24 occurred in Shimla due to three separate landslides — 17 at the Shiva temple in Summer Hill, five in Fagli, and two in Krishna Nagar.

Responding to the situation, the Himachal Pradesh government declared the state a "Natural Calamity Affected Area" on Friday, citing damage caused by heavy rains. Chief Minister Sukhu estimated losses of Rs 10,000 crore.

BJP National President J P Nadda also underscored the need for long-term planning and alternative development mechanisms to prevent the recurrence of such disasters.

Since the monsoon's onset on June 24, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed 224 rain-related deaths and 38 missing persons, according to the state emergency operation center. Additionally, over 12,000 houses have suffered complete or partial damage, while approximately 560 roads remain impassable.

Also Read:  Himachal Tragedy: Devastating Natural Calamity Unleashes Chaos, 780 Individuals Rescued from Flood-Stricken Zones in Kangra

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