Sajid Raina
Jammu, Sep 19: Assuring the flood-hit farmers in Jammu region that the Centre is with them, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said that PM Modi-led government is concerned about their plight and will extend all necessary assistance.
The Union Minister visited flood-hit areas of Jammu to assess damage to crops and infrastructure. “The Centre is with you. We will spare no effort in providing assistance to the farmers. I have come here to see the situation myself and understand the loss,” the Union Minister told the farmers and displaced residents.
Chouhan said, “The Centre has already sent inter-ministerial teams from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and Agriculture to survey the flood affected areas. The state administration is compiling its assessment reports, which will be sent to the Centre for final evaluation and decision-making.”
After his visit to Badyal Brahmana, the Minister returned to Jammu city and chaired a review meeting with the J&K government.
Later, he addressed the media and announced a slew of relief measures. Chouhan announced that one instalment under PM-Kisan would be released immediately to the farmers affected by the floods in the Union Territory. “In flood-hit areas, workers will get an additional 50 man-days under MGNREGA,” he said, raising the total from 100 to 150 man-days,” he said.
The Union Minister also announced compensation for farmers who lost domestic animals due to the flood. As per the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s preliminary data, approximately 5,000 houses have been damaged. “We will provide Rs 1,30,000 under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for rebuilding each house. Each will include a separate toilet,” he said.
Addressing losses faced by local Self Help Groups, Chouhan said Rs 76,000 crore will be released to support them.
He said that the sand deposited in fields by floodwaters should be retained by the farmers for personal use, and suggested that the Jammu and Kashmir Mining Department relax regulations to allow this.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Government currently has Rs 2,499 crore available under the disaster management fund. These funds will be used for immediate relief and rehabilitation. He added that if the need arises, the Centre will provide additional support,” he said, adding, “Damaged irrigation canals and embankments will also be repaired in coordination with the Centre.”
