Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 21 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated the Diwali festival yesterday, with disaster-affected residents, visiting Majhada village in Sahastradhara here. On this occasion, the CM met the people affected by the disaster in Kali Gad, Majhada village, and the Sahastradhara area, lent a patient ear to their concerns, and also extended Diwali greetings to them.
On the occasion, the CM also conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction work in the affected region. Following the example of PM Modi, the CM this year chose to celebrate his Diwali among the families hit by the natural disaster. He personally visited their homes, where he interacted with a large number of women, children, and villagers.
Responding to the villagers’ demands, the CM directed the officials to carry out river training and accelerate the construction of a protective wall to ensure the safety of the village. He also enquired about the well-being of the affected families and assured them all possible assistance and rehabilitation. Dhami asserted that the state government stands firmly with the disaster-affected people, affirming that the pain of every affected individual is the government’s pain. He added that Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but also one of compassion and unity, and that one must keep the light of hope and smiles burning in one’s life. The CM also directed the officials to complete the reconstruction work in the disaster-affected areas at a faster pace so that the affected families could get relief as soon as possible. He stressed that, under no circumstances should the education of children be disrupted due to the disaster. He noted that alternative housing is being arranged on a priority basis for families whose homes have been damaged in the disaster. He also reminded that the rent for affected families currently residing in rented accommodations will also be paid as per the prescribed norms.
The officials claim that the affected families appeared happy with the CM’s visit. The local residents stated that the CM coming to them and celebrating Diwali has brought to them great encouragement during their difficult time. Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, and others were also among those present on the occasion.
