From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: The Union Minister of State for Rural Development Ms Agatha Sangma has appealed to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to release fund for thousands of flood-affected people of Garo Hills.
“The district administration has taken steps to provide immediate relief to the affected people. So release funds from Prime Minister’s relief funds to bring succor to the affected families,” Agatha in a letter to the Prime Minister said.
The floods have affected at least 30,000 people in Selsella, Phulbari, Dadenggiri, Rangsakona and Rajabala Assembly constituencies. Two people were killed in the recent floods.
The flood waters also swept away livestock, foodgrains and houses, besides damaging standing crops, roads and bridges.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker and MLA from Tura Purno A Sangma has also taken up the matter with the Centre. Agatha and Rajya Sabha member Thomas Sangma will be leaving for the affected areas once the ongoing Parliament session is over.
Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma recently announced that Rs.30 lakh was with the district magistrate to meet contingencies, while an additional amount of Rs.10 lakh was being released.
Health authorities in flood-ravaged Garo Hills region recently said they feared an epidemic once the floodwaters recede “if precautions are not taken.”
“We are apprehending that many water-borne diseases might break out in the flood-hit areas once the water-level starts receding in the next 10 to 15 days,” Malti K. Marak, the district medical chief of West Garo Hills, told a news agency.
The Medical Department has also announced precautionary measures to check the outbreak of diseases. (With inputs from agencies)
