Himachal CM Presses BJP Leaders to Secure ₹1,500 Crore Disaster Aid, Cites Delays in NDRF Releases
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says NDRF funds are released to states in phases, not as a lump sum, and reveals that only ₹2,000 crore has been approved under PDNA so far. He urges BJP leaders to ensure release of ₹1,500 crore announced by PM Modi for the state.
Addressing the issue, Sukhu said that despite repeated representations, only ₹2,000 crore has so far been sanctioned under the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) framework. Of this approved amount, Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive ₹500 crore. He emphasized that even this sanctioned sum would not be transferred at once but would be disbursed in installments over time, depending on administrative clearances.
The Chief Minister underscored that states do not receive NDRF funds automatically or immediately, clarifying that the process involves structured approvals and staggered releases. He noted that this procedural mechanism often leads to delays at the ground level, particularly for states facing urgent post-disaster recovery needs.
Sukhu also urged leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party to intervene and help ensure that ₹1,500 crore announced earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a public event in Kangra is formally released to Himachal Pradesh. He said the state government is counting on this promised assistance to strengthen relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
The Chief Minister’s statement brings renewed attention to the broader issue of disaster funding mechanisms and the challenges states face in accessing timely financial support. As Himachal Pradesh continues to assess losses and plan recovery measures, the release of pending funds remains critical for restoring infrastructure and supporting affected communities.

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