The central government has approved over Rs 1,066 crore in aid for six states affected by floods and landslides during this year’s monsoon. The money has been released as part of the Centre’s share under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Uttarakhand will receive the highest share at Rs 455.60 crore, followed by Rs 375.60 crore for Assam and Rs 153.20 crore for Kerala. Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram will receive Rs 29.20 crore, Rs 30.40 crore, and Rs 22.80 crore respectively.
The Home Ministry said the Centre is fully committed to helping states during natural disasters. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the government stands firmly with all states in times of crisis,” it said.
So far this year, the Centre has released Rs 6,166 crore from SDRF to 14 states and Rs 1,988.91 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to 12 states. Additional funds have also been given from disaster mitigation funds.
Apart from financial support, the government has also provided help on the ground, sending NDRF teams, Army units, and Air Force support for rescue and relief work. Over 100 NDRF teams are currently deployed across 21 states and union territories.
The Indian Army has also stepped in to assist people in the Northeast under Operation Jal Rahat-2. So far, 40 relief teams have been deployed in Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland, and nearly 3,820 people have been rescued.
In Assam’s upper districts, relief operations were activated after the Dhansiri river breached danger levels in Golaghat. In Nagaland, the deputy commissioner of Dimapur requisitioned Army assistance to provide flood relief in Singrijan Colony, one of the worst-affected areas. An Engineer Task Force (ETF) was swiftly deployed.
Manipur too remains on alert, with the Nambol river surpassing danger levels in Imphal West and Bishnupur districts.
Food, water, and medical help are being provided, and the Army remains on standby in several areas as floodwaters slowly begin to recede.
– Ends