New Delhi, Sep 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial assistance of Rs 3100 crore for flood-hit states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Reviewing the flood situation in Punjab following cloudbursts and heavy rain that caused widespread damage across the state, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas before chairing a review meeting with officials and elected representatives in Gurdaspur.
He announced financial assistance of Rs 1600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already available with the state.
The PM also ordered the advance release of the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and benefits under the PM-Kisan scheme.
He outlined a multi-pronged recovery plan, including rebuilding damaged homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring roads and schools, supporting farmers through the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and promoting solar-powered irrigation.
PM Modi said that assistance would also be extended for livestock support, water harvesting structures, and reconstruction of rural houses and government schools.
He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured.
“Children orphaned by the disaster will be supported under the PM CARES for Children scheme,” the PM said.
He expressed condolences to the bereaved families, assured close coordination between the Centre and the state, and praised the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, the Army, and local authorities in relief work.
Visiting Himachal Pradesh to review the flood situation and assess the damage caused by cloudbursts, rains, and landslides in affected areas, PM Modi first conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of the state.
Thereafter, he had an official meeting in Kangra to review the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assess the damage that had occurred in Himachal Pradesh.
Announcing a financial assistance of Rs 1500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, the PM said that there would be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
He asked for a multi-dimensional view to be taken to get the entire region and people back on its feet.
“These will 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,” PM Modi said. “Recognising the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections.”
He said that geotagging of damaged houses would be done under the PM Awas Yojana.
“This will help in accurate damage assessment and faster delivery of aid to those affected,” the PM said. “To ensure uninterrupted education, schools will be able to report and geotag damages, enabling timely assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.”
He said that the construction of recharge structures for water harvesting will be done to help collect and store rainwater.
“These efforts will improve groundwater levels and support better water management,” PM Modi said.
The Centre has already sent Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to visit Himachal Pradesh to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report, further assistance would be considered.
The PM 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.
PM Modi said that the Centre would work closely with the state government at this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.
He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the Next of Kin (NoK) of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamity.
The PM announced that children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides would be provided with comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme.
“This will ensure their long-term welfare,” he said.
PM Modi said that all assistance under disaster management rules was being made, including advance disbursements to the states.
He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, the Army, the state administration, and other service-oriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and response.
“The Centre will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the state as well as the report of the central teams,” the PM said.
He acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Centre would make all efforts to address the situation.
