Kangana Ranaut Criticizes Himachal Government’s Response to Flash Floods: Urgent Call for Relief Efforts

Kangana Ranaut Criticizes Himachal Government’s Response to Flash Floods: Urgent Call for Relief Efforts

In the wake of devastating flash floods that have ravaged Himachal Pradesh, Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has sharply criticized the state government’s handling of the disaster. On Tuesday, Ranaut visited Samej village in the Kullu district, one of the hardest-hit areas, and accused the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of failing to provide adequate support to the flood victims.

Himachal Pradesh has been grappling with heavy rains and flash floods for over a week, causing significant destruction across the state. The floods, triggered by cloudbursts on the night of July 31, have particularly affected Kullu’s Nirmand, Sainj, and Malana, Mandi’s Padhar, and Shimla’s Rampur subdivision. The floods have claimed at least 14 lives, with 40 people still missing. The disaster has left communities in a state of turmoil, with many families losing loved ones and struggling to cope with the aftermath.

During her visit to Samej, a village that has seen extensive damage, Ranaut highlighted the dire conditions faced by the local population. “People have lost all their family members, including children. They are terrified and in trauma. I would request the state government to provide immediate financial assistance to the affected families,” Ranaut stated. She expressed deep concern over the lack of visible action by the state government, alleging that no effective measures have been taken to bring life back to normalcy.

Ranaut’s visit and statements have put the spotlight on the perceived inaction of the state government. She accused the administration of neglect, claiming that “not a single thing has been done here by ministers, which is inhuman.” The BJP MP emphasized the inadequacy of the relief efforts and demanded a special inquiry into how funds allocated for flood relief were utilized.

According to Ranaut, the central government has committed to providing financial aid to the flood-affected regions. However, she criticized the state government for its handling of previous funds. “The central government will provide funds to help the flood-affected people, but we all know that financial assistance was also given last year after the monsoon disaster. These funds go to the state government and are distributed by them,” she said. Ranaut expressed skepticism about the distribution of these funds, questioning whether the money would reach the intended beneficiaries or be mishandled.

Despite the criticism, significant efforts are underway to manage the disaster and aid affected communities. The state has mobilized a large contingent of rescuers, including 410 personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Himachal Pradesh Police, and home guards. These teams are equipped with machinery, sniffer dog squads, drones, and other essential equipment to aid in search and rescue operations.

The state emergency operation center reports that the monsoon has caused an estimated loss of Rs 684 crore from June 27 to August 5. Additionally, 87 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents, further compounding the crisis.

Political and Financial Context

Ranaut’s criticism also touches on broader political implications. The BJP MP pointed out that Himachal Pradesh has faced repeated disasters since the Congress party came to power, implying a pattern of inadequate disaster management under the current administration. She recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a Rs 1,800 crore relief package following last year’s disaster, highlighting a discrepancy between federal assistance and state-level execution.

Ranaut’s remarks also underscore the tensions between the central and state governments over disaster management and financial aid. Her call for an investigation into the allocation of relief funds reflects broader concerns about transparency and accountability in handling disaster relief efforts.

The current crisis in Himachal Pradesh underscores the urgent need for effective disaster management and timely assistance to affected communities. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the call for immediate relief and transparent handling of funds becomes crucial. Kangana Ranaut’s visit and subsequent criticism have brought renewed focus on the state’s response to the disaster, highlighting both the challenges and the responsibilities of government authorities at all levels.

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