Uttarakhand: PM Modi announces Rs 1,200 crore aid, reviews flood situation

Uttarakhand flash flood

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dehradun on Thursday to assess the devastating impact of recent cloudbursts, heavy rains, and landslides across Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an official meeting to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts and to evaluate the extent of damage in the affected regions.

"Prime Minister Modi announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1,200 crore for Uttarakhand. He emphasized the necessity of a multi-dimensional approach to facilitate the recovery of the entire region and its inhabitants," the Prime Minister's Office(PMO) said in a statement. "This comprehensive strategy will encompass measures such as rebuilding homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, restoring vital national highways, reconstructing schools, providing immediate relief through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distributing essential mini kits for livestock," the PMO statement further added.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin, eligible households in rural areas whose homes have been damaged by the floods will receive financial aid for reconstruction through a "Special Project" submitted by the Uttarakhand Government.

The Union Government has already deployed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to Uttarakhand to conduct a thorough assessment of the damages. Further assistance will be considered based on the detailed reports submitted by these teams.

PM Modi also assured them that the Union Government will work in close coordination with the State Governments, offering all possible support during this challenging time.

PM Modi also declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for individuals who sustained serious injuries due to the floods and related disasters.

The Central Government will conduct a further review of the situation based on the memorandum submitted by the State and the reports from the Central teams.

PM also acknowledged and appreciated the commendable efforts of the personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration, and other service-oriented organizations for their immediate relief and response actions.