Shimla: Expressing concern over the growing impact of global warming and frequent natural calamities in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took the salute from an impressive march at the state-level Independence Day function.
The march past was presented by contingents of the police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP, Uttarakhand Police, Third India Reserve Battalion of Pandoh, Mandi Police, traffic police, ex-servicemen league and Home Guard Band amid heavy rains.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Umeshwar Rana commanded the parade. The 79th Independence Day was celebrated across the state with great enthusiasm and gaiety. Functions were held at the district and sub-division levels to commemorate this historic occasion.
In his address, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the frequent disasters in the state that have caused heavy losses to life and property.
Referring to the 2023 disaster in which the state suffered damages of Rs 10,000 crore, he pointed out that despite the Central government's own assessment, Himachal Pradesh received only Rs 1,500 crore, that too after two years.
He said this year's disasters have once again caused severe losses, particularly in Mandi district and the state has not received any financial assistance from the Centre so far. He said the state government has already disbursed Rs 360.42 crore from its resources to aid affected families. He hoped that the Center would soon extend financial support for the disaster-affected families.
