READY-HP: Building a Stronger, Disaster-Resilient Himachal

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery – Himachal Pradesh (READY-HP) project, describing it as a vital initiative to strengthen the state’s ability to withstand and recover from natural disasters. The total outlay of the project stands at ₹2,687 crore.

Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, the Chief Minister said that between 2023 and 2025, Himachal Pradesh witnessed 86 cloudbursts, 234 landslides and 121 flash floods, causing losses of more than ₹12,500 crore. He noted that due to its location in the young and fragile Himalayan geological region, the state remains highly vulnerable to such natural calamities.

CM Sukhu explained that the READY-HP project is aimed at restoring and strengthening disaster-affected infrastructure, including roads, water supply schemes, power systems and livelihood-related assets. He emphasized that the focus is not just on rebuilding what was damaged, but on ensuring a resilient recovery mechanism that can better withstand future disasters.

The project will also work toward developing resilient public services, promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities through initiatives such as green panchayats, and strengthening risk-informed social safety nets and insurance mechanisms. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of building robust infrastructure for farmers and horticulturists, so that their livelihoods remain protected and stable even during extreme weather events.

Senior officers present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) K.K. Pant, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Advisor (Planning) Ravinder Kumar, Director Energy Rakesh Kumar Prajapati, Director Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Raghav Sharma, Deputy Project Director Surender Maltu, along with other senior officials.