Himachal lost Rs 46,000 crore to natural disasters in five years: Human Development Report 2025

On the human development index (HDI) scale, Solan district ranked first with an HDI value of 0.880, followed by Lahaul & Spiti (0.839), Kinnaur (0.813), and Shimla (0.812). Kangra, the state’s most populous district, ranked lowest with an HDI value of 0.695.
Interestingly, when adjusted for climate resilience, Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, and Chamba districts emerged as the top three in the climate-adjusted human development index (CAHDI), showcasing the adaptive capacity of communities living in some of the state’s most remote and challenging terrains.

Himachal’s health landscape altered

According to the findings, climate change is not only causing economic losses but is also altering Himachal’s health landscape. It has triggered new patterns of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, diarrhoea, and typhoid, while increasing risks of zoonotic infections due to wildlife displacement and shrinking forest habitats. The report also highlights the rising incidence of forest fires, water insecurity, and environmental degradation as major emerging threats.

“The report has been prepared keeping in view the compounding impacts of climate change, extreme weather, and natural disasters on the state’s overall growth and human development,” Sukhu said at the function where the report was released, emphasising his government’s focus on building a “climate-resilient Himachal”.

The report identified small farmers, women, tribal communities, children, the socially disadvantaged, and senior citizens as the most vulnerable groups that were affected disproportionately.

Amee Misra, Senior Economist, UNDP India, said that to prepare the report, joint teams from various departments and UNDP experts conducted field visits at 17 sites in 10 districts. “The findings underline that financing climate action remains one of Himachal Pradesh’s greatest challenges,” she added.

Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, said, “Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India which took an initiative to prepare its Human Development Report in view of climate change and its impact on the state’s economy, livelihood of the people, and natural resources. This report underlines that Himachal Pradesh’s development path is inseparable from its climate resilience and hinges on coordinated action across sectors.”

The HPHDR 2025 serves as the first comprehensive attempt to integrate climate vulnerability with human development assessment, offering a blueprint for sustainable policy interventions in the Himalayan state.