Shimla, Dec. 28 -- The Union ministry of finance has released financial assistance of Rs.601.92 crore for Himachal Pradesh for the damages suffered by the state in 2023. This budget has been allocated for post-disaster relief and rescue operations under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

The ministry's letter stated that the first instalment of central assistance has been released to Himachal Pradesh for compensation and reconstruction of losses caused by floods, cloudbursts, and landslides during the 2023 monsoon season. The central government has approved a total of Rs.1,504.80 crore for Himachal Pradesh of which 40% of this amount has now been released.

The release of the second instalment will require 75% of the amount to b...