Need to undertake restoration work on a war footing: Jai Ram

Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur today said that the state government should focus on the rehabilitation of the disaster-hit people and the restoration of damaged infrastructure on a war footing before the winter sets in.

Thakur initiated the debate under Rule 67 on damage caused by heavy rain in the Assembly and criticised the state government for misleading people on disaster relief. “Even 45 days after the disaster, electricity and water supply and road connectivity remain severely affected,” he added.

The opening day of the monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha saw both ruling and Opposition members trading charges over alleged discrimination in the disbursement of relief to the disaster-affected people.

Thakur lamented that people were struggling to transport their produce of apple and other fruits to the market. He said that a disaster could hit any area, so there should be no politics, blame game or adverse remarks in such times. “The state government has announced a Rs 4,500 crore relief package and enhanced compensation as per the relief manual but the reality is that not even Rs 300 crore has been disbursed so far. People are not getting Rs 7 lakh for their totally damaged homes,” he alleged.

Thakur stressed the need for making prefabricated shelter homes after identifying safe land for the disaster-hit families. He said that the night of June 30 had left a trail of destruction, causing unprecedented damage and the death of 42 persons, including 31 in Seraj alone. Seraj had suffered Rs 500 crore losses.

Thakur said, “Seraj alone has suffered Rs 500 crore losses and you are harping about Rs 2 crore given by the state government. What is even worse is that some Congress leaders tried to take credit and divert relief material sent by BJP leaders from across the state.”

He said, “You should be thankful to the Central Government for extending all possible help in this hour of crisis. An inter-ministerial team has already visited the state to assess the damage caused and the NDRF money is over and above it.” He added that the state government should not spend money meant for disaster-hit people on the payment of salaries and pension.

Thakur also objected to the shifting of the horticulture college from Thunag to Nachan though the building where it was functioning was not damaged.