Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Aug 19: The Government today released Rs 30 crores for flood affected Ladakh under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and would be taking up with the Centre the grant of special package for the region to compensate huge losses suffered in the recent floods in which at least four persons have been killed and scores of others were injured while hundreds of others were rendered shelter-less. Death toll could go up as reports from some far off areas were still pouring in.
Official sources told the Excelsior that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who holds the charge of Ladakh Affairs Department, has released Rs 30 crores for Ladakh region under the SDRF including Rs 20 crore for Leh district and Rs 10 crore for Kargil district as an interim relief while it would take up with the Central Government the release of package for Ladakh other than the SDRF norms.
“The SDRF amount is being shortly kept at the disposals of the Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil districts for disbursement under the SDRF norms after proper assessment of the losses suffered by the people. The process of assessment was still on as there were many far flung villages, where houses of the people have either collapsed or damaged extensively,’’ sources said, adding initially losses have crossed Rs 100 crores and would go up as the complete reports come up from mountainous areas.
When approached, Deputy Commissioner, Leh Saugat Biswas confirmed four deaths in the floods so far. While two bodies have been recovered, two others were missing and they too were believed dead, he said.
Biswas added that complete assessment of losses is being made and would be ready shortly. “Our staff is on the job’’.
SSP Leh Sunil Gupta said many lives were saved due to timely action taken by police, civil administration and para-military forces etc as “we were able to rescue nearly 800 people through trans-shipment. Otherwise the death toll could have been more. Even now the death toll could be between four and six.’’ Number of injured was more than 20.
Sources said the Chief Minister has also promised more funds under the SDRF and assured representatives of Ladakh that he would take up their case with the Central Government for one time special package of compensation for the people.
BJP MP from Ladakh Thupstan Chhewang said the Chief Minister has assured adequate funds under the SDRF. He added that he too would meet the Central leaders in New Delhi shortly and seek special package to compensate the people for heavy losses as the people would get very little relief under the SDRF norms.
Official sources said unlike 2010, the 2015 flood water was slow, which gave people a chance to reach safer areas and save their lives.
“In 2010, the water came suddenly without giving chance to people to run to safety. In 2015, the flood water movement was slow and people survived. The deaths took place only where the houses collapsed or water rose suddenly during the night hours,’’ they said.
It may be recalled that over 200 people were killed in Leh cloudbursts in 2010. The then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had announced special package for Ladakh then after visiting the district.
Sources said parts of Kargil district have also suffered immense losses in terms of infrastructure but there was no report of any casualties—dead or injured.
Sources said though number of casualties was far less in Leh district as compared to 2010, the infrastructure losses were almost the same.
“A large number of houses have collapsed while many others have been damaged extensively. A number of people have been rendered shelter-less in many areas and the administration was making arrangements for their accommodation,’’ sources said, adding the arrangements were required to be in place shortly as harsh winter would start approaching in next couple of months.
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