Shimla, Sept. 9 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh, has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of a Rs 1,500-crore financial package for the state's disaster relief, following his visit to flood and landslide-hit areas on Tuesday.

Singh, however, urged the Centre to provide further assistance and formally declare Himachal Pradesh a "disaster-affected state" under national parameters.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla after the Prime Minister's tour, Singh thanked Modi for the announcement.

"This is a very sensitive and critical time for the state. It is our collective responsibility to rise above party politics and serve the people of Himachal Pradesh. The Hon'ble Prime Minister ...