Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in Leh on Tuesday that both the Central and Jammu and Kashmir governments would take all steps to help the families of those affected by flash floods triggered by a cloudburst.
The restoration and rehabilitation works would be carried out under the supervision of a committee headed by Chief Secretary S.S. Kapur, he told victims of the flash floods at a relief camp.
The 434-km Srinagar-Leh road damaged by the flash floods and landslips has been restored after days of hectic work by the engineers and personnel of the Army, the Border Roads Organisation and other agencies.
Officials said the death toll in the Leh floods has touched 189, including 18 Nepali and Tibetan workers and three French, one Spanish and one Italian tourists. Around 500 people were injured.
PTI reports from Leh:
The Prime Minister said the quantum of assistance would be enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh for each fully damaged house and Rs. 1 lakh for every partly damaged house. Further assistance for restoration of infrastructure and other items would be provided on the basis of the memorandum of the State government and the recommendations of the Central team.
“The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources is sending 1,000 solar lanterns for the affected houses in Leh. These lanterns will provide light in the night and can be charged during the day,” he said.
The Prime Minister congratulated the personnel of the Army, Air Force, BRO, ITBP and the other agencies for their courage, tireless efforts and “deep concern for their fellow citizens in distress.”
The State and the Centre worked hand in hand and ensured that emergency supplies such as tents, blankets, turpentine, food and water urgently dispatched and distributed, he said.
“The doctors and nurses have also done a very good job. I must congratulate the Leh Council, the Deputy Commissioner and his team and the senior officers of the State government, for their prompt response. Altogether, it has been a fine example of prompt and coordinated action in the face of nature's fury,” the Prime Minister said.
Keywords: Leh floods, Manmohan Singh, Jammu and Kashmir
