Post-Disaster Need Assessment begins to secure Rs 1,200 crore Central relief package

Dehradun, 7 Oct: Uttarakhand is undertaking a Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) to ensure the release of a Rs 1,200 crores financial package announced by the Central Government following widespread monsoon-related devastation this year. It may be recalled that several districts including Uttarkashi, Pauri, Chamoli, Dehradun, and Bageshwar suffered severe economic and infrastructure losses due to heavy rainfall induced disasters. This led to prompt urgent actions by the State and Central Governments. To prioritise the restoration of infrastructure and essential services, the Disaster Management Department has constituted a team to carry out the PDNA, which is currently in progress.

It may be also recalled that the month of August had proven to be particularly catastrophic for the state, beginning with the calamity at Dharali-Harsil on 5th August, followed by extensive damage in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Udham Singh Nagar, and Dehradun. Post–disaster assessments conducted by the Disaster Management Department resulted in the preparation of a memorandum seeking Rs 5,702.15 crores from the Central Government, which included an estimated loss of Rs 1,944.15 crores due to the disaster and Rs 3,758 crores required for protecting assets and restoring infrastructure.

Following the submission of the memorandum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Uttarakhand, had announced an immediate financial package of Rs 1,200 crores for the state. Subsequently, a team appointed by the Government of India visited Uttarakhand to verify the extent of the damage. In response, the State Government immediately initiated the PDNA process, recognising that the report is crucial for the release of the promised funds.

Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, reminded that nearly all the districts in the state had suffered substantial losses due to the monsoon calamities. He confirmed that the PDNA team has so far visited six districts and will soon cover the remaining districts before preparing the final report. He explained that the PDNA is conducted to assess the state’s actual needs after a disaster and that the Rs 1,200 crores package would be sanctioned only after the submission of the comprehensive report, with all the due procedures currently underway.

The PDNA is expected to provide a detailed account of losses, infrastructure damage, and urgent requirements, enabling the State Government to channel the relief package effectively to affected regions and ensure rapid restoration of services and assets.