North India floods: PM Modi to visit Punjab, Himachal on September 9; to survey affected areas, meet victims | India News

NEW DELHI: PM Modi will be visiting Himachal Pradesh and Punjab on Tuesday, September 9, to assess the ongoing flood crisis in the two states.The PM is scheduled to reach Kangra at around 1:30 PM, where he will be meeting officials and chair a high-level review meeting on the situation in Himachal. He will also undertake an aerial survey of the flood and landslide hit regions in the state. During his time in Kangra, the PM is scheduled to meet flood-affected residents, alongside members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Aapda Mitra Team.Following his visit in Himachal, PM Modi will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions in Punjab at approximately 3 PM. He will then arrive in Gurdaspur around 4:15 PM, where he will hold discussions with senior officials and chair another review meeting on the ground situation. The PM is also expected to meet flood-affected families, NDRF, SDRF and Aapda Mitra Team in Gurdaspur.This direct review by the Prime Minister is aimed at closely monitoring relief and rehabilitation measures to support the people of both states during this challenging period.Earlier, the leader of opposition in the Himachal Pradesh assembly and former chief minister Jairam Thakur expressed grave concern over the destruction caused by ongoing monsoon disasters, warning that it would take Himachal Pradesh many years to fully recover.Speaking to ANI, Thakur said, “Tomorrow, PM Modi will also conduct an aerial survey of the disaster-affected areas in Himachal, and after that, he will come to Kangra and meet the affected families and will also meet the government. We welcome the PM’s visit to Himachal. In such a situation, if this kind of sequence continues, then how will Himachal be able to stand on its feet? Upon assessing the damage, it appears that Himachal will take many years to recover and stand on its feet again.“He further added that the destruction had been widespread, with no district left “untouched”.