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.
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