Excelsior Correspondent
DEHRADUN, Sept 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,200 crore for the flood and rain-affected areas of Uttarakhand.
PM Modi reached the Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun, where he was received by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those left injured in a series of natural calamities that hit various districts of the hill state this monsoon.
He announced comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children Scheme to children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides in the State.
PM Modi met the affected families and offered his condolences. He interacted with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and disaster volunteers who lent a helping hand at ground zero during the disasters and praised their efforts.
“The Central Government assures full support for the restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure in the affected regions,” he said.
PM Modi also praised the relief and rescue efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, army, State Administration and other service organizations.
Over the past four years, under the leadership of CM Dhami, several reforms have been introduced in disaster management within the State. Quick response timings have given disaster management a new dimension.
CM Dhami said in a social media post soon after receiving the PM at the airport, “The Prime Minister’s presence in the midst of the affected people at this difficult time of disaster shows his sensitivity towards them.”
Heavy rains, cloudbursts and landslides have ravaged various parts of Uttarakhand this monsoon including Dharali-Harsil in Uttarkashi, Tharali in Chamoli, Chenagad in Rudraprayag, Sainji in Pauri, Kapkot in Bageshwar and parts of Nainital district.
According to an official estimate, natural disasters in Uttarakhand since April this year have so far claimed 85 lives, injured 128 people and left 94 missing.
The Prime Minister’s visit follows a recent visit by an inter-ministerial team from the Centre to the affected areas of the state to assess the damage.
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