Important to study increasing trend of cloud bursts in Himachal: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 13 : Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, honoured the officers and departments who did a commendable job during the disasters and played an important role in relief and rescue operations and stressed the need to study the increasing trend of cloud bursts in the state, said a press release by CMO on Friday.
Speaking on the changing weather pattern, he said that it has been noticed that the incidents of cloud bursts have increased in the past few years, and we need to study and research the varying climatic patterns and take adaptive measures in advance to mitigate the impact of such incidents.
CM Sukhu was presiding over a function organised by the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA) on the occasion of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, according to the official statement.
CM Sukhu lauded the efforts of HPSDMA for organizing an Annual Mass Awareness Campaign on Disaster Risk Reduction, Samarth 2023, to create awareness online through digital modes, and build capacities towards promoting disaster resilience in the State, added the official statement.
Lauding the efforts of officers and employees of various departments during the disaster he said that due to the collective efforts of the district administrations, 75 thousand people were evacuated safely and all essential services were temporarily restored within 48 hours after the disaster.
The Himachal CM further commended the efforts and cooperation provided by voluntary organizations and the people of the state who voluntarily offered their services in relief and rescue operations.
According to the official release, CM Sukhu also gave suggestions on the safe construction practices in Himachal Pradesh and launched IEC material prepared by HPSDMA, HIMCOSTE (Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment) and by Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) Roorkee.
An MoU was also signed between CBRI Roorkee and HIMCOSTE on earthquake-resistant construction activities, according to the official release.
As the state is already reeling under the debt of Rs. 75,000 crore, the government was making earnest efforts to bring the State back on track and was adopting innovative measures to raise its finances so as to provide relief to the disaster-affected, reiterated the Chief Minister.
He further said that despite the state's share, nothing has been received from the centre in the name of financial assistance.
As per the press release, CM Sukhu also launched the school safety mobile app on the occasion which will be useful for the schools to make disaster management plans and organize mock drills accordingly.
The winners of painting, slogan writing and quiz competitions on disaster management organised by HPSDMA across the State were also rewarded by the Himachal CM, according to the official statement.
Praising the stakeholders for commendable work during the disaster, State Revenue Minister, Jagat Singh Negi, said that though the State is burdened with a debt of Rs 75,000 crore, it was a bold decision taken by the Chief Minister to announce a special package of Rs. 45000 crore from the State's own resources.
Revenue Minister Negi also detailed the amended relief package announced by the Government for the disaster-affected people.
Principal Secretary Revenue, Onkar Chand Sharma on the occasion said that a special disaster awareness campaign was held from October 1 to October 15 to make people aware of disasters and for capacity building, at the grassroots level.
He further said that under this campaign, 146 street theatre programs were organized all over the State.