The financial package of Rs.564 crore for taking up immediate relief and restoration activities by various departments was formulated in consultation with respective departments in the Finance Department, Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey informed the media on Wednesday.
He said, Minister Dr Manik Saha directed the officials to finalise the Memorandum for final damage assessment within this week and send the same to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India.
While speaking at a press conference today, the Revenue Secretary also said, a total of 36 people have lost their lives due to the floods, As of September 11, 2024. Of these, 22 died in landslides, 13 drowned, and one perished in a house collapse. Among the deceased are 23 males, 7 females, and 6 children while one person is still reported missing.
He highlighted that the government had been actively disbursing compensation, with full payments made in 26 cases and partial payments in seven. A total of Rs 104.85 lakh has been distributed as ex-gratia compensation, and efforts are underway to finalize payments for the remaining cases.
On the financial package of Rs 564 crore as announced earlier by ChiefMinister Dr Manik Saha in the State Assembly, Brijesh Pandey said, “During the meeting with the Chief Minister on August 27, 2024, departments had requested for release of some funds for immediate relief and restoration activities. Subsequently, Departmental secretaries while making a presentation before the Cabinet on August 30, 2024, requested for providing immediate financial resources for taking restoration activities. Accordingly, as per the request of the each department, the financial package was formulated in consultation with respective departments. The Finance Department was also consulted and after getting their consent, the financial package was finalized”.
Revenue secretary said, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha held a review meeting on Wednesday in Civil Secretariat on the relief and restoration activities post flood. The Chief Secretary, the PCCF of Tripura, Secretary, RR & DM and Secretaries and Directors of various Departments were present in the meeting.
During the review meeting, Chief Minister complimented for the exemplary work carried out by officials of all the departments and District Collectors in providing immediate relief and rescue measures. This was possible as the whole administration worked as ‘Team Tripura’.
Chief Minister directed the officials to continue the restoration work with the same vigor, energy and speed as was shown in the relief and rescue operations during the floods time.
The Revenue Secretary pointed out that during the meeting, no department had expressed any shortage of fund. Instead, they were satisfied with the availability of fund for restoration works.
The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to ensure quality food, health and hygiene in the relief camps, until people are able to return to their homes, ensure payment of ex-gratia to remaining families of death cases within this week, expedite the compensation in cases of damaged houses, finalize the Memorandum for final damage assessment within this week and send the same to Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. He also instructed them to devise medium and long-term action plans for restoration work.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
