Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Sep 9: After visiting flood hit areas in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir in coming days to review the flood situation and damage caused due to cloudbursts, rains and landslides.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and organizational General Secretary Ashok Koul said, “PM Modi will visit J&K to take the first-hand account of the damages caused by the recent natural calamities.”
He said, “The date of his J&K visit will be announced soon.”
Sources said that PM Modi besides assessing the damages will also conduct an aerial survey of landslide hit holy town of Katra, where landslides enroute Shri Mata Vashino Devi Shrine last month led to more than 35 people losing their lives.
They said that PM Modi will also conduct the aerial survey of Chasoti village in Kishtwar District where more than 60 people died after a landslide hit the hamlet nestled within mountains. “PM Modi may also announce a special relief package for the flood victims in J&K.”
Meanwhile, PM Modi Tuesday visited Himachal Pradesh to review the losses caused by floods and landslides.
The Prime Minister first conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas of Himachal Pradesh. Thereafter, PM Modi had an official meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage that has occurred in Himachal Pradesh.
PM Modi announced a financial assistance of Rs 1500 crore for Himachal Pradesh. There will be advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
PM asked for a multi-dimensional view to be taken to get the entire region and people back on its feet. These would be done through multiple ways, like rebuilding homes through PM Awas Yojana, restoration of national highways, rebuilding schools, provision of relief under PMNRF along with release of Mini Kits for livestock.
Recognizing the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections under the PM Awas Yojana, geotagging of damaged houses will be done. This will help in accurate damage assessment and faster delivery of aid to those affected.
To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting to help collect and store rainwater will be done. These efforts will improve groundwater levels and support better water management.
The Union Government has already sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit Himachal Pradesh to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report further assistance will be considered, it said.
Prime Minister also met families who were affected by the calamity. He expressed his condolences and deep sorrow to the family members of those who have lost their lives. He stated that the Union Government will work closely with the State Government at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.
PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamity.
The Prime Minister announced that children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides will be extended comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme. This will ensure their long-term welfare.
Prime Minister also stated that all assistance under disaster management rules are being made including advance disbursements to the States. He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration and other service-oriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and response. The Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the State as well as the report of the Central teams.
Prime Minister acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Central Government will make all efforts to address the situation.
