Himachal Pradesh Minister slams Centre for bias, announces relocation of flood-hit college

India Gazette

10-07-2025

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], July 10 (ANI): Amid ongoing devastation caused by heavy rainfall and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, the state's Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday announced the government's decision to shift the flood-affected College of Horticulture and Forestry from Thunag in Mandi district to Sundernagar, citing massive infrastructure damage and safety concerns.
Addressing the media, Negi said that keeping in mind the studies and safety of students, the flood-hit college has been relocated to a safer location in Sundernagar in Mandi from Thunag.
'The college in Thunag, which functions under our Horticulture University, was severely impacted by the flash floods on the evening of June 30. Around 300 students study horticulture and forestry there. It's fortunate that most of them were not present on campus that night, as they were staying in PG accommodations or rented homes. Those who were there managed to save their lives by walking to safety.' He said.
Negi stated that following an assessment, the university has declared holidays until July 14. 'Examinations and new admissions are also due. We assessed whether classes could resume at the original location, but the infrastructure is severely compromised. Even the buildings are unsafe. So, we decided to shift the college to Sundernagar for now,' he said.
He clarified that the relocation was a temporary arrangement. 'We are not merging this college with any other institution, and the college at Chunal will not be shut down either,' he added.
Negi also expressed frustration over the college being opened earlier without proper infrastructure.
'There was no hostel except for about seven girl students. Around 95 per cent of the students lived in houses near the nallah, which turned disastrous,' he said.
'We have directed the university to identify a safe and permanent location where classes and hostels can be operated immediately. We want the college to function independently and not as a merged entity,' the minister stressed.
Negi has called for legislative action against unplanned construction, he said, with consensus in the upcoming Assembly session, the state would come up with a Law to regulate unscientific construction.
The minister admitted that unchecked construction near rivers and streams was a serious problem. 'We often say houses shouldn't be within 100 metres of rivers, but people forget quickly. There's a need for strict laws, and we will bring a proposal in the upcoming Assembly session. If passed unanimously, it will pave the way for enforcement,' he stated.
Highlighting the state's plight, Negi alleged that the Union government is discriminating against it in terms of assistance and in post-disaster aid.
'In 2023, damage worth Rs 10,000 crore was assessed in Himachal Pradesh, but we received only Rs 2,006 crore under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA). Even then, 25 per cent of the amount must be contributed by the state government.' He said.
He said the Rs 2,006 crore includes schemes across multiple departments such as PWD, Jal Shakti, Horticulture, Forest, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry.
'This help came late in 2025, even though the loss occurred in 2023. Now in 2024, we are again facing large-scale destruction. Even BJP's national president and Union ministers from Himachal have seen it,' he said.
'Despite having the national president of the BJP and Union ministers from Himachal Pradesh, why is the Centre discriminating against the state when it comes to assistance?' he said, attacking the BJP.
Negi appreciated former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur's decision to join the current Chief Minister in meeting of central leaders. 'Last time we had asked them to join us in Delhi. Now they are willing. That's a good step. Only when pain is felt personally does one understand its gravity,' he said.
When asked about Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut's involvement in flood relief, Negi launched a scathing attack.
'We've heard she is unhappy. If she's not happy being an MP, she should resign. Let someone who wants to serve the people take her place,' he said.
Negi remarked, 'I think Kangana Ranaut is better suited for Bollywood. There she has everything makeup artists, ready-made setups. But public service demands a different mindset. And I don't think she's willing to change that mindset.'
Negi said the impact of the monsoon was still growing. 'The rainfall hasn't stopped. Mandi district has suffered the most, though damage in other districts is also increasing. As of today, 2,004 roads are blocked, including a national highway near Kataula in Mandi,' he said.
'Over 700 water schemes are disrupted. Electricity lines have also taken a hit. Thousands of orchards and farmlands have been washed away. Around 1,300 houses have been reported as partially or completely damaged,' he added.
He said a revenue department committee would assess the damage to ensure genuine compensation.
'Often, those with less damage get more relief, while real victims suffer. We will ensure this doesn't happen,' he said.
Negi also pointed out that in 2023, Himachal Pradesh was the first state in India to offer Rs 7 lakh as relief for completely damaged houses.
'The Centre only gives Rs 1.2 lakh. Even now, the Centre's contribution under PDNA limits house compensation to Rs 2 lakh. This needs to be revised.'
'The national president of the ruling party and our MP Kangana Ranaut should raise this issue with the Centre. If they can't do that, then there's no point in talking about serving the public,' Negi added. (ANI)