Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is gearing up for a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he’s not holding back on key concerns. Just hours before the PM’s arrival, Sukhu highlighted the urgent need for a sustainable development model in hill states like Himachal. He wants to protect the mountains from crumbling under climate change pressures and push for a national policy to keep natural resources safe.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sukhu shared how the people of Himachal warmly welcome PM Modi amid tough times. “The state has faced unprecedented devastation from monsoons,” he wrote. Since 2023, Himachal has endured heartbreaking losses—families torn apart, villages buried under debris, and major damage to roads and power supplies. Sukhu sees the PM as the country’s guardian and plans to ask him directly: Is the current development model in hill states truly sustainable?
“The big question is how we save our mountains from climate change impacts,” Sukhu added. He stressed the need for a development approach that safeguards the environment and protects these fragile ecosystems. This comes as Himachal battles ongoing natural disasters, including floods and landslides that have hit hard in recent years.
Sukhu also praised the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) after visiting an exhibition in Dharamsala, where PM Modi is headed. “Their outstanding work in disaster management is truly commendable, especially in a state facing harsh natural conditions,” he posted on X.
PM Modi’s visit to flood-affected areas in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh focuses on reviewing disaster response and rehabilitation efforts. The severe monsoon rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides across northern India, leaving trails of destruction. An official source revealed that at Gaggal airport near Kangra, the PM will arrive around 2 p.m. and meet 21 survivors of landslides and flash floods.
Among them is 11-month-old Neetika, a symbol of both tragedy and resilience. She’s the sole survivor from her family after the July disaster wiped out everything. Now in the care of relatives, her story highlights the human cost—hundreds of families homeless and tourists stranded in the hill state. At the airport, PM Modi will also chair a high-level meeting with state and central officials to assess the damage from these natural calamities. Chief Minister Sukhu, along with senior BJP leaders like Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur and state party chief Rajeev Bindal, will join in.
Later, the PM plans an aerial survey of the worst-hit districts—Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba—to get a firsthand look at the devastation. Before departing, Modi posted on X: “Leaving for Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to review the flood and landslide situation. The Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected in this tragic hour.”
The toll in Himachal is staggering. Chief Minister Sukhu estimates losses over Rs 5,000 crore, with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) roads taking the biggest hit, alongside state highways. Terrifying scenes from July to September showed landslides swallowing multi-storey buildings, rescuers evacuating hundreds, and searches for the missing. The calamity claimed 371 lives, left 41 people missing, and caused widespread infrastructure damage in this northern Himalayan state.
As Himachal recovers from these back-to-back disasters, calls for sustainable development in hill states grow louder, aiming to balance growth with environmental protection.
