"We do not indulge in politics...," Anurag Thakur after inspecting flood-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh

Jul 17, 2023

Shimla (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 17 : Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday inspected the flood-affected area in Himachal Pradesh's Una and said that we do not indulge in politics over relief funds. 
Earlier today, Himachal Pradesh revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi alleged that till now, no help has been received from the central government. 
"We do not indulge in politics on this subject. The Centre provided relief funds in two instalments.," Anurag Thakur said. 
"We are standing at this point which was called 'River of Sorrows' because it was completely destroyed during floods in the past but this time the bridge is saved and this has happened only because of proper water channelisation management of our BJP government...we have been saved from a huge loss," he further said. 
Meanwhile, while giving information about the necessary steps taken by the Central Government, the Union Minister said, "Around 13 units of the NDRF team were deployed in the state.. everyone was busy saving people."
He further said a central team will visit the state soon and more help will be provided accordingly.
Union Minister is on a four-day visit to Himachal Pradesh and has been engaged in the inspection of relief and rescue work and rehabilitation for the last four days by meeting the people suffering from the devastating rains in Himachal Pradesh and the disaster arising out of it.
The incessant rain has led to flash floods and landslides, causing significant damage in Himachal Pradesh. 
Moreover, in view of the unprecedented tragedy in the state due to the floods, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to increase the financial help for the families affected by floods, cloud bursts and landslides occurred between July 7 to 15 to  Rs one one lakh.
As per the government official, under the relief manual, financial assistance of Rs 12,500 was given for partial damage to a pucca house and Rs 10,000 for partial damage to a kutcha house.
“The state government has issued a notification to increase the amount of compensation, providing huge relief to the disaster affected. Financial assistance will be provided to the families affected under special norms,” Chief Minister Sukhivinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday.
He further said that in case of damage to shops and dhabas, earlier only a meager financial assistance of Rs 10,000 was given in lieu of goods, which the state government has increased ten times to rupees one lakh.
“Apart from this, in case of damage to the goods of the tenant, Rs 25,000 was earlier given, which has been doubled to Rs 50,000. On the other hand, where about Rs 1400 per bigha compensation was earlier given in case of silt in agricultural and horticultural land, has been increased to Rs 5000 per bigha,” he added.
Along with this, earlier financial assistance of Rs 3600 per bigha was given in case of damage to agricultural and horticultural land, which has been increased to Rs 10,000 per bigha.
The Chief Minister also said that Rs 300 to Rs 500 per bigha compensation was given to the farmers and gardeners in case of damage to their crops, which has been increased to Rs 2000 per bigha by the state government.
“The present state government will provide financial assistance of Rs 55,000 per animal for the death of milch and draught cattle, which was earlier Rs 37,500. In case of death of sheep, goat and pig, the financial assistance has been increased from Rs 4000 to Rs 6000,” he added.
Also, earlier this compensation was given only for a maximum of 30 sheep, goats and pigs, but the state government has abolished this condition as well.
The Chief Minister said that the present state government was working keeping in mind the sufferings of the disaster affected people.