Rs 304.4 cr released to Assam for flood relief measures : Dr Singh

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North E​​astern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh​ disclosed on June 26, 2018, disclosed at Guwahati that an amount of  Rs 340.4 crore has been released for flood relief work in Assam.

This amount includes Rs 239.40 crore by way of the first installment of central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 101 crore as the contribution from the Ministry of Northeast (DoNER).

Dr  Singh was presiding over a high-level meeting between the Union Ministry of Northeast (DoNER) and the State Government of Assam to assess the current situation of flood in Assam and the relief measures undertaken so far. Among others, the meeting was attended by Assam Minister for Water Resources Keshab Mahanta, Assam Minister for Revenue Bhabesh Kalita, Secretary DoNER Naveen Verma, Chief Secretary of Assam Ms T Y Das and other senior officers from the Ministry of DoNER and the State Government of Assam.

Speaking after the presentation made by the State Government, Dr  Singh said heavy rainfall and flood has virtually become a regular annual feature in Assam, but, this year, we are faced with early rains and early flood. Nevertheless, he complimented the State Government for its prompt response in timely undertaking all the required measures which helped in containing further loss to life and property.

Dr Singh expressed his condolence to the bereaved families of 26 persons who were reported dead till last evening, as a result of the flood situation. He said even though there could not be any compensation for the loss of life, everything would be done to help the State Government to meet the natural calamity.

PM Narendra Modi always has a special concern for Northeast, said Dr Singh and added that the Prime Minister accords high priority to all the issues related to the region. He recalled that on August 1, 2017, PM Modi had personally traveled to Guwahati where he convened separate meetings with the State Administration of the flood-affected States and announced flood-relief of Rs 2,000 crore. On his personal behalf as well as on behalf of the Ministry of DoNER and Government of India, Dr Singh assured full assistance to the State Government. He said that the Union Government is monitoring the flood situation in the affected States of Northeast on a day-to-day basis, according to a PIB release.

Striking a note of caution, Dr Singh forewarned about the possibility of epidemic diseases in the aftermath of flood and suggested that appropriate preemptive measures can be initiated in advance. Like in earlier years, he suggested that the government can involve the Health Ministry also to arrange for measures like chlorination of water, maintenance of hygiene and availability of appropriate medicinal drugs.