Special relief package for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh in the works

New Delhi: The Centre is considering a special relief package for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand - which have been severely hit by rain and landslides - over and above the grant released under the disaster relief fund.

"Extreme weather has affected many parts, but the damage is more severe in Himachal and Uttarakhand and the Centre is working on the special relief package for both the states," a senior official told ET.

While both states together gave a preliminary estimate of ₹18,000 crore of losses, the Centre has asked for a detailed estimate and a central team is likely to visit the states for assessment next month once the weather improves.

"The quantum of the package will be decided after the central team will make an assessment," the official said.

The team was expected to visit in September, but the weather conditions are not conducive yet, officials said.

The two hill states suffered heavy rains, cloud bursts, flash floods and landslides this monsoon season, leading to loss of lives and infrastructure.

In Himachal Pradesh, as per official estimates, 400 people lost their lives and over 13,000 houses were damaged while several villages remain disconnected as many roads are closed.

According to the state government estimates, Himachal suffered cumulative losses of over ₹12,000 crore. The state government has demanded a package of ₹10,000 crore.