Friday, August 8, 2025
spot_img

Tree tragedy: Govt announces Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for families

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

SHILLONG: The State Government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each of the three persons who died after being crushed by a massive tree in the city on Saturday.
Easy Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said the money would be provided from the State Disaster fund.
The three victims were occupants of one of the vehicles which were crushed after the tree was uprooted near Raj Bhavan during last week’s heavy rain.
The victims are Crystal Gayle Kharnaior (23), daughter of city-based artist Raphael Warjri of Mawlai Nongkwar Block-V, Paul LB Lyngdoh (70) and taxi driver Hubert Swer (35).
“The district administration will also provide reimbursement to the two injured (Wannysha Ksoo, 27, and Newmemorial Wahlang, 51) for their treatment. After Independence Day we will write to them and they can come and collect the cheque,” Dkhar said.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Governor has released Rs 1 lakh ex gratia to each family.
KN Kumar, Principal Secretary at the Governor’s Secretariat, said on Monday that following the tragic accident, the governor on humanitarian ground has decided to release the ex gratia.
While Rs 50,000 each was already paid to the relatives of the three victims on Monday, the remaining will be released on Wednesday.
Forest dept informed
Kumar further said Raj Bhavan had informed the Forest Department about the weak trees three months ago and only three identified trees were cut, leaving out the fatal tree which claimed three lives on Saturday.
Kumar said the tree that caused the accident was found to be strong by the Forest Department and hence it was left out.
No condolences
Though the state government and the governor have announced ex gratia, neither Chief Minister Mukul Sangma nor Governor Banwarilal Purohit have condoled the deaths. Only Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh has conveyed his condolences.
Secretariat in darkness
The major portion of the Meghalaya Secretariat was in darkness throughout the day on Monday due to the frequent power failure probably due to the repair work following the felling of many trees in and around Raj Bhavan.

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

Task force to formulate comprehensive infrastructure masterplan for NE

Guwahati, Aug 8: A high-level task force (HLTF) on “Logistics, Infrastructure Connectivity in North Eastern Region” has decided...

China responds to Trump tariff threat, says trade with Russia ‘legal and legitimate’

Beijing, Aug 8: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday defended the country's economic, trade and energy cooperation...

Titosstarwell Chyne appointed UDP general secretary

Shillong, Aug 8: The United Democratic Party (UDP) Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Friday unanimously appointed party working...

Govt withdraws Income Tax Bill 2025 from Lok Sabha, new version to be tabled on Monday

New Delhi, Aug 8:  The Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February...