Shimla (Sudeep Mahajan): Senior BJP spokesperson and MLA Trilok Jamwal has raised concerns over the utilisation of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds in Himachal Pradesh, alleging irregularities in tendering and payments for disaster reconstruction work. He has demanded an independent investigation into complaints of work being shown on paper and payments allegedly being made without adequate execution.
Jamwal said the Central Government approved a reconstruction plan worth ₹2,006.40 crore for Himachal Pradesh on June 18, 2025, following the 2023 disaster. The approved plan included a central share of ₹1,504.80 crore, with ₹451.44 crore released as the first central instalment.
Referring to a government order dated January 13, 2026, Jamwal said ₹753.29 crore was approved in the second instalment for various departments, comprising ₹564.97 crore in central assistance and ₹188.32 crore as the state share. According to the figures cited by him, the Public Works Department (PWD) received an allocation of ₹487.80 crore, while the Jal Shakti Department was allocated ₹176.48 crore, the Agriculture Department ₹29.13 crore and the Electricity Board ₹18.22 crore.
Questioning the condition of roads and bridges despite the substantial reconstruction allocations, Jamwal asked why several roads remained damaged and why commuters continued to face potholes and traffic disruptions. He referred to reports of 259 roads being blocked in August 2026 and traffic disruptions on National Highway-5 in the Theog and Pooh areas of Kinnaur in September.
Jamwal stated that, under the government order, PDNA funds were intended for approved assets damaged in the 2023 disaster. He called on the state government to clarify whether damage assessments and physical verification were conducted before tenders were issued and payments authorised.
He also sought clarification on the status of projects and financial utilisation, referring to directions requiring the funds to be utilised and utilisation certificates submitted by March 2026. He asked the Chief Minister to disclose how many projects had been completed, how many bills had been cleared and how many works had undergone inspection.
Alleging that complaints involving contractors with political connections were not receiving adequate attention, Jamwal demanded the public disclosure of constituency-wise allocations, tenders, contractor details and payments across all 68 Assembly constituencies.
“Money meant for the reconstruction of disaster-affected areas cannot become a means of political patronage or private gain,” Jamwal said, calling for strict action against officials and contractors wherever evidence of irregularities is established.
He further demanded a special audit of all questioned projects, physical verification of completed works and the publication of a constituency-wise white paper detailing the utilisation of PDNA funds.
The allegations and demands were made by Jamwal. Any alleged irregularities would need to be established through an independent investigation and verification of official records.
