With an aim to reformulate the existing disaster management norms as per Uttarakhand’s mountainous character, the State Government is set to increase the compensatory amount given to the kin of the person who dies because of natural calamity from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
According to the current standing rules Rs 3 lakh, which is Rs 1.5 lakh each by both State and Centre, is granted to the relatives of a person who dies due to natural calamity in the State, said Prayag Bhatt, chairman of the State Disaster Management and Review Committee, said.
During his during Kumaon visit here on Sunday, he further informed that the State Government was going to add another Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister Relief Fund to the existing Rs 3 lakh. He said the Government took the decision following necessary feedback from the people of many disaster hit areas.
Similarly, the Government was also looking into other factors to ensure relief materials reach to the needy in the aftermath of a natural calamity giving relaxation in the disaster rules. To achieve that goal now the State Government’s primary task is to review the existing disaster management rules keeping in view Uttarakhand’s tougher geographical character, said Bhatt. Chief Minister has given me mandate to visit different disaster affected zones of the state and study the drawbacks that have came up in reaching out to the victims of the disaster hit parts of the State, Bhatt informed.
There were many difficulties coming in the way of disbursement of relief materials as per the existing disaster management rules particularly in hill areas. That is why the Government was serious to review the existing laws so that due relief could be extended to the needy, he maintained.
Bhatt said though the repair works were being carried out in those affected areas, the expected momentum hasn’t been reached because of negligence of contractors and officials.
He accepted that works on few bridges being constructed in Uttarkashi have not yet been completed. Similarly, embankment or flood protection works in Sukhinadi area in Golapaar, Haldwani have not yet been started for similar reasons.
He further said required funds have already been released but works have not yet been started on the flood protection project in the Sukhinadi area in Golapaar since July.
“We have directed the concerned officials of the Nainital district administration to immediately start work on this project,” he added.