Will seek Centre’s nod to rehabilitate disaster-hit families on forestland: CM
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government would seek approval of the Central Government for the rehabilitation of disaster-affected families on forestland as part of a one-time settlement policy.
On the second day of his visit to the disaster-affected areas of the Seraj Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister visited Thunag, Bagsiad, Deji, Bara and Syanj villages and assessed damage caused by cloudbursts. He assured the affected villagers of all possible support from the state government. Eleven persons of Deji village were still missing while four persons were killed in Syanj village in the natural calamity.
“As 68 per cent of land in Himachal Pradesh is under forest, the permission of the Central Government will be sought to rehabilitate people there,” he said. The government was considering bringing a one-time settlement policy to resettle disaster-affected families, he added.
Sukhu said, “The Cabinet will soon discuss and announce a special relief package for all those who have been affected by the rain disaster.”
He announced an immediate relief package of Rs 7 crore for the disaster-affected areas, including Rs 2 crore for the Public Works and Jal Shakti departments, while Rs 1 crore would be provided to the Block Development Office to expedite restoration work. The government had already released Rs 2 crore for restoration work, he added.
The Chief Minister interacted with people at the Pakhrar Panchayat Ghar and directed revenue officials to immediately assess all kinds of losses. He instructed them that residential complexes that were still filled with silt or rocks or those deemed unsafe for living should be declared completely damaged so that maximum compensation could be provided to the affected people. He also assured the villagers that the government would compensate them for damaged household goods and the loss of livestock.
He directed the officials concerned to expedite the restoration of roads and the resumption of disrupted water and electricity supply schemes to ensure quick relief. He also instructed them to assess the damage suffered by horticulturists.
Sukhu said that major roads had been reopened and efforts were being made on a war footing to restore village link roads. He appreciated the dedication and service of NCC cadets towards the suffering of humanity. Schoolgirls informed the Chief Minister about the damage caused to their school. Sukhu promised the students that a CBSE-affiliated school would be opened in Thunag. He also interacted with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel and commended their commitment to the rescue work.
The Chief Minister thanked all personnel of the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, police, Home Guards and the volunteers of various organisations for their selfless service during the crisis.
Himachal Tribune