CM announces Rs2 lakh relief to affected families

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, July 1

Chief Minister Harish Rawat and Governor KK Paul have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to cloudbursts and landslides in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts since last night. The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The Chief Minister assured the people that the government would do everything possible to mitigate the sufferings of the victims. He directed the district magistrates concerned to provide immediate medical aid to the injured and the affected families. He told them to speed up the relief and rescue works.

Rawat directed the commissioners of both circles to monitor the relief and rescue efforts by setting up camps in the affected areas. He told them to provide better medical facilities to the injured, besides providing relief to the affected persons immediately. He said NDRF and SDRF personnel were being deployed in the affected areas and they would help the district administrations in relief and rescue works. Helicopters were also being made available to evacuate the affected population.

Rawat instructed the district magistrates to constantly update the Chief Secretary about the situation and make sufficient foodgrains available in the affected areas. People residing along riverbanks should be shifted to safer zones, said Rawat.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, rain and landslides occurred in Thal, Dharchula, Didihat, Gangolihat, Pithoragarh, Kanalicheena, Berinag, Bangapani, Davethal and Gannai Gangoli areas. A total of 163 families in Naulna Gaun and Nachni in Thal subdivision have been affected. The Pithoragarh district administration has sent contingents of NDRF, SDRF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Regiment for search and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Governor has expressed grief at the loss of life and property due to cloudbursts in Pithoragarh and Chamoli districts since last night. He hoped that relief would reach the affected areas immediately.