Centre assures all possible help

Meghalaya flood: Mukul submits memo to Rajnath

SHILLONG: The Centre on Wednesday assured all possible help to Meghalaya to address the problems of relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said this after submitting a memorandum to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi seeking financial assistance for rebuilding the flood-affected areas of Garo Hills.

“I was assured by Singh that the Centre will give all kind of assistance to Meghalaya like it had done to other states affected by flood or other natural calamities,” Sangma said over telephone.

Sangma revealed that out of the total Rs 1,552.38 crore sought from the National Disaster Relief Fund, Rs 422.30 crore has been sought as part of the state’s eligibility as per the norms of the State Disaster Relief Fund for immediate relief, emergency works and temporary restoration of critical infrastructure and services.

The balance amount has been sought as Special Financial Assistance for permanent restoration of critical infrastructure.

The extent of the devastation is staggering. Apart from the terrible loss of life, more than 1,600 villages were affected in the state and over 10,000 houses were damaged.

Around 16,000 hectares of cropland and 2,500 fish ponds were damaged and 8,200 hectares of agricultural land requires de-silting.

“Funds with the state are limited and what we have are for ongoing projects,” Sangma said, adding, “Hence we have sought this amount to help the state get back on its feet soon.”