By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Sep: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Uttarakhand today. He arrived at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun for the purpose, but the survey had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. Modi was scheduled to inspect the affected regions of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Tehri, and Pauri.
On his arrival at Dehradun Airport, he was received by Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Thereafter, the Prime Minister proceeded to the State Guest House, for which a new gate at the airport was opened for the first time. A large pandal had been erected near the Guest House where Modi interacted with disaster-affected people and those who had played a role in relief and rescue operations. He later attended a high-level meeting with officials.
Following the cancellation of the aerial survey, Modi sought details from the CM, regarding the damage caused in the disaster-hit regions. At the State Guest House of Jolly Grant Airport, he also met people from the affected areas and disaster warriors.
About 22 affected persons and 57 disaster warriors attended the programme. Modi spoke to the victims in detail, enquiring about their condition, and assured them of every possible assistance. Chief Minister Dhami was present with him during the interactions.
The PM also announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1200 croress for the flood and rain-affected areas of Uttarakhand. He also declared an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. In addition, he announced comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme to those orphaned by the recent floods and landslides.
It may be recalled that this year Uttarakhand has faced several major calamities. On 5 August, a disaster struck Dharali in Uttarkashi district following the overflow of the Kheer Ganga Gad. The flood brought boulders, trees, and debris, devastating Dharali village and nearby areas. The market of Dharali was completely destroyed, with all hotels, shops, and houses buried under the debris. Many people remain missing.
On 6 August, heavy rains triggered landslides in Pauri Garhwal district, particularly in villages Sanji and Raidul. Several houses were destroyed, agricultural land was badly damaged, and many people went missing, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
On 23 August, Chamoli district’s Tharali region was battered by torrential rain and landslides. Areas including Kotdip, Radibagad, Upper Bazar, Kulsari, Chepdo, and Sagwada suffered severe damage. One young woman lost her life, another person went missing, and rescue operations had to be carried out for several days. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally visited the area to assess the situation.
The state has incurred heavy financial losses due to the rains and disasters. The Uttarakhand government has sought an economic package of Rs 5702 crores from the Centre and submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Home Affairs, detailing the extent of damages. A Central team has already inspected the affected areas and returned, while Modi has now received detailed inputs on the situation, raising hopes of significant Central support for the state.
According to official estimates, the PWD and road infrastructure sustained losses of Rs 1163.84 crores, the Irrigation Department Rs 266.65 crores, the Energy Department Rs 123.17 crore, the Health Department Rs 4.57 crores, the School Education Department Rs 68.28 crores, the Higher Education Department Rs 9.04 crores, the Fisheries Department Rs 2.55 crores, the Rural Development Department Rs 65.50 crores, the Urban Development Department Rs 4 crore, the Animal Husbandry Department Rs 23.06 crores, and other departmental properties Rs 213.46 crores.
