Dehradun, September 11 (Patrika English News): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured full support to disaster-hit Uttarakhand, announcing an immediate relief package of ?1,200 crore. He said the Centre and the state government stand firmly with the affected people and pledged that no family would be left without assistance.
The announcement came after PM Modi held a high-level review meeting with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and senior officials at Jolly Grant Airport. His planned aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas had to be cancelled due to bad weather. However, he personally met survivors at the airport and assured them of all possible help.
PM Modi said that families who have lost everything in places like Dharali will be fully rehabilitated, even if existing rules need to be amended. The relief package will provide immediate assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction, apart from the compensation already being provided by the state government.
The Prime Minister also announced an ex-gratia of ?2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ?50,000 for those seriously injured. Children orphaned in the recent floods and landslides will be taken care of under the PM CARES for Children scheme, ensuring their long-term welfare.
Emphasising a multi-dimensional approach, PM Modi said inter-ministerial central teams have already been deployed in Uttarakhand to assess the full extent of damage. Further aid will be decided based on their detailed reports.
He praised the tireless efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, Army, state administration and voluntary organisations for their role in rescue and relief operations.
Uttarakhand faces recurring disasters every monsoon, with floods, landslides and cloudbursts leaving a deep impact on development and daily life. Despite these challenges, the close coordination between PM Modi and CM Dhami has strengthened disaster management efforts in the state.