The Uttarakhand government has requested a special economic package of ₹5,702.15 crore from the central government to compensate for losses caused by this year’s monsoon and to strengthen vulnerable infrastructure against future disasters.
In a memorandum sent to the Union Home Ministry, state disaster management and rehabilitation secretary Vinod Kumar Suman outlined the extent of the damage and the urgent need for central assistance. The memorandum, also addressed to the additional secretary of the disaster management division, stated that government departments have suffered direct losses of ₹1,944.15 crore between April 1 and August 31 due to landslides, flash floods, heavy rains, and related calamities.
The public works department and rural roads reported the maximum damage at ₹1,163.84 crore, followed by irrigation structures at ₹266.65 crore. Other affected sectors include the energy department (₹123.17 crore), health services (₹4.57 crore), school education (₹68.28 crore), higher education (₹9.04 crore), fisheries (₹2.55 crore), rural development (₹65.50 crore), urban development (₹4 crore), and animal husbandry (₹23.06 crore). Additional losses in other government departments amounted to ₹213.46 crore.
The state has requested ₹1,944.15 crore for reconstruction and recovery of damaged infrastructure and an additional ₹3,758 crore to stabilize vulnerable assets such as roads, bridges, populated areas, and other public infrastructure at risk of further damage. “This support is critical to ensure that the impact of recurring disasters on Uttarakhand is minimized and large-scale losses are avoided,” said Suman.
Human and livestock losses have also been significant. Between April 1 and August 31, 79 people died, 115 were injured, and 90 remain missing. Nearly 3,953 livestock perished. Housing and commercial establishments, including shops, hotels, homestays, and restaurants, were severely affected, with 2,835 concrete houses and 402 temporary structures damaged.
The state recorded 25% above-normal rainfall this monsoon season since June 1, according to the India Meteorological Department. From June 1 to September 3, Uttarakhand received 1,265.5 mm of rain against a normal of 1,009.5 mm. Bageshwar saw the highest excess at 249%, followed by Chamoli (91%), Tehri Garhwal (59%), and Haridwar (55%). Almora, Dehradun, and Udham Singh Nagar also experienced significant rainfall surpluses.
The heavy rainfall triggered flooding, landslides, and rising river levels across the state. Authorities have continued issuing advisories, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
Officials said the memorandum lists both immediate and long-term needs, combining relief, rehabilitation, and resilience-building. “The demand package is not only for recovery but also to prevent further erosion of critical infrastructure and protect communities living in disaster-prone zones,” an official added.
