KL Report

SRINAGAR

Minister for Relief & Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Bukhari Thursday informed the House that the ‘Relief and Rehabilitation Package’ of September-2014 flood damages submitted to the Central Government comprises two components, one a Special Package and the other under SDRF norms.

He said the part of package covered under SDRF norms amounts to Rs 2926.11 Crore, out of which Rs 1566 Crore was earmarked for temporary restorations.

“High Level Committee has approved Rs 1602.56 Crore, out of which Rs 500 crore have been earmarked for the Indian Air Force, leaving a balance of Rs 1102.56 Crore only,” he said.

The Minister said the matter is vigorously being pursued with the Central Government for release of the balance funds out of NDRF.

“In respect of Special Package, the memorandum has been submitted by Union Ministry of Home Affairs to the NITI Aayog which had sort proposals with regard to permanent restoration of the damaged infrastructure,” he said. “The requisite proposals are being compiled by the Planning and Development Department for submission to NITI Aayog.”

The Minister informed that by and large the flood victims of Kashmir Valley are satisfied with assessment made for the damages caused and the categorization of the structures as per the SDRF norms.

“However, on the application of the concerned flood victims the reassessment regarding the categorization of the damaged houses is being carried out through Inter Departmental Committees to the full satisfaction of the concerned flood victims,” he said.

The Minister, however, added flood victims are not satisfied with the quantum of the relief admissible as per the SDRF norms, because of the high cost of the construction.

“A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Package for providing adequate relief on an enhanced scale to the flood victims has been submitted to Centre and as soon as the package is approved the flood affected families shall be compensated accordingly,” he said.

The Minister informed that 9.99 lakh acres of land under Orchards, Paddy and other Crops has been damaged due to the September-2014 floods in the State, out of which 0.55 lakh acres are in District Kulgam.

The Minister also informed that 6 month free ration to the flood affected families is being/has been provided through CA&PD department throughout the State uniformly. He said in Kashmir Division for 1194963 affected families, 196447. 15 quintals and in Jammu Division for 578543 affected families, 102981 quintals of ration has been released till date.

The Minister said the damages/losses suffered to the business/industrial establishments is being assessed. He said so far, out of approximately 75000 business and industrial establishments, verification has been completed in respect of 35000 establishments.

He said till date 1437 cases have been prepared and ex-gratia relief to the tune of Rs. 4351 lakh has been paid to the sufferers in the said Constituency.

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