The Gujarat Government on Tuesday announced a Rs300 crore relief package for the people of the flood-hit areas of Saurashtra region. The package include compensation for soil erosion in farms, loss of cattle, loss of homes and other properties as well as various schemes to re-established commercial establishments.
A flood-like situation tormented the western coast of Gujarat following incessant rains on June 24 due to deep depression over the Arabian Sea. Nearly 100 people died, thousands of animals, including 10 Asiatic lions, were also killed. Besides, there were losses of properties worth of crores due to flooding rivers in the Saurashtra region. Thousands of acres were eroded due to flooding waters and many farmers have become landless.
Announcing the relief package, senior Minister and spokesman of Gujarat Government Nitin Patel said that of Rs300 crore, Rs150 crore will be allotted from Calamity Relief Fund and the additional Rs150 crore would come from the State Government’s fund.
As per the relief package, the 9,378 flood-affected families will get Rs7 crore for loss of properties. In the case of limited soil erosion, the farmers will get a maximum Rs25,000 crore per hectare. And if soil erosion would be more, the compensation per hectare will be Rs60,000. As far as loss of cattle is concerned, up to the death of three cattles, Rs40,000 per animal will be given and Rs30,000 per animal will be paid for death of additional animals.
For the micro scale business establishments, 50 per cent of the total loss up to the limit of Rs35,000 will be paid to the beneficiaries. For Small and Medium enterprises, loans will be provided at 5 per cent rate within the limit of Rs3 lakh. For manufacturing units Rs50,000 cash relief will be given to flood-affected units.
As it was the beginning of the sowing season, the government has decided to give compensation of Rs6,800 to Rs13,500 per hectare for loss of crops. In the case of loss in Chiku and banana farms in South Gujarat, the compensation will be Rs18,000 per hectare.