A State in Ruins, A Visit of Hope: PM Modi to Survey Himachal’s Monsoon Devastation
As Himachal Pradesh reels from one of its most destructive monsoons in recent memory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the state on September 9 to personally assess the damage and offer support. If weather permits, he will conduct an aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Kangra before heading to Dharamshala for a review meeting. His return to Delhi is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., according to the tentative itinerary shared by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the visit, stating that a detailed report on the widespread destruction caused by cloudbursts, landslides, and floods will be presented to the Prime Minister. The state will also appeal for the timely release of central relief funds to accelerate rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.
The scale of devastation is staggering. Since June, over 550 lives have been lost, and thousands of homes have either collapsed or been severely damaged. Infrastructure has taken a massive hit, with more than 400 roads blocked and around 3,000 water supply schemes disrupted. Preliminary estimates peg the total damage at ₹10,000 crore, making this one of the worst natural disasters Himachal has faced in recent years.
Districts like Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, and Kullu have borne the brunt of the monsoon’s fury. Landslides and flash floods have swept away bridges, roads, and farmland. The impact on tourism and horticulture—two pillars of Himachal’s economy—has been severe, with orchards destroyed and tourist footfall plummeting during what should have been peak season.
With the Prime Minister’s visit, there is cautious optimism. The state government hopes that his presence will not only bring national attention to the crisis but also fast-track central assistance and policy support.
For the people of Himachal, this visit is more than a formality—it’s a moment of hope in the midst of heartbreak, a chance to rebuild lives and landscapes battered by nature’s wrath.
