Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu stated that the rise in cloudbursts in the state is connected to climate change and increased evaporation from reservoirs formed by large dams. To address the surge in natural disasters, the government plans to establish disaster-resilient infrastructure with an estimated budget of Rs 3,500 crore to enhance disaster preparedness and reduce damages.
At a workshop in Shimla, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s heightened vulnerability to natural calamities due to its mountainous terrain and challenging geographical conditions. Recalling the 2023 disaster that left 51 people dead and 23,000 houses destroyed, he commended the efforts of officials in evacuating stranded tourists and restoring essential services promptly.
In response to the lessons learned from the 2023 catastrophe, the government’s improved disaster management strategies during the 2025 disaster led to reduced losses despite the severity of the situation. The Chief Minister stressed the necessity for proactive policy decisions and developmental changes to tackle the climate change challenges faced not only by Himachal Pradesh but also by other states in the future.
