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New Delhi, October 9: Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang visited the flood-ravaged areas of Rangpo and Singtam on Friday to assess the extent of the devastation caused by the recent floods and extend his support to the affected people.
He visited the affected areas and interacted with the army personnel and Central and State teams deployed for rescue and relief.
The Chief Minister also visited the relief camps set up at various places. He witnessed the challenges faced by the people and took time to interact with the affected individuals, offering them words of solace and assurance.
At the relief camp in Singtam, the Chief Minister made an ex gratia announcement of Rs.4 lakhs to the families of deceased Indian citizens whose mortal remains have been located and identified. The Chief Minister also announced an immediate relief of Rs.2000 each to all those who are being sheltered in the relief camps in the area. This, he informed is a temporary aid from the state government while the actual extent of the damages are being computed on a daily basis.
The Chief Minister reiterated the strategy of the state government – rescue, evacuation and rehabilitation, and that children, women and senior citizens will be given top priority during the evacuation and recovery operations.
He informed that rescue operations are underway and that relief teams are putting all efforts towards ensuring that the displaced families are put on the path to normalcy at the earliest.
The Chief Minister further informed the evacuees that all aid and facilities, including medical and logistical support (up to Siliguri, West Bengal) for individuals from outside the state working here who wish to return home, are being offered free of cost.
The Chief Minister also visited other locations in the town assuring all possible help to the survivors.
The Chief Minister expressed pride in the Sikkimese spirit of resilience and appealed to all to join hands as we help recover our state from this terrible natural calamity. He extended his sincere gratitude to the officials, locals, NDRF, volunteers and the various organisations working around the clock to help mitigate the dreadful aftermath of the disaster.
In a press conference at Singtam the CM made some key announcements.
The State Government in alliance with Sikkim Urja Limited, has devised a special financial relief package for the devastation hit regions of Sikkim- Rs.25 crore relief package for Mangan District, and Rs 15 crore each for the Districts of Gangtok, Pakyong and Namchi. This would be in addition to the relief aid that would be given both from the state and the centre.
The Chief Minister summed up the factors leading to the outburst of the Lhonak Lake and the damage that was experienced in the Teesta Urja Dam, Stage III. He mentioned that preliminary reports suggest that sub standard quality practices followed during the construction of the Chungthang Dam, Teesta Urja Ltd, Stage III resulted in the flood situation taking a catastrophic turn. He informed that an Inquiry Committee would be set up and those found guilty shall be brought to charge.
State Government shall provide subsidy to those who transport essential commodities, vegetables and other food items to the state so that their extra expenses from taking a longer travel route would not reflect in the selling price for the locals here.
The Chief Minister also sternly advised against stockpiling and overcharging for any goods, noting that those caught in breach will have their licenses permanently revoked.
The Chief Minister informed that the State Government is determined towards exploring all possible options so that communication, both motorable and cellular, with the affected regions in Mangan district that have been cut off can be established at the earliest.
