Rs 3 cr released under SDRF for relief in affected Budgam areas: Dy CM
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30 (PTK): An amount of Rs 3 crore has been released under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide relief assistance in flood-affected areas of Budgam district, including Beerwah Constituency, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly.
The Deputy Chief Minister was responding to a Calling Attention raised by MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani regarding the difficulties faced by residents affected by recent flash floods in Beerwah constituency.
Choudhary informed the House that, in connection with a flood-related death reported from the constituency, ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been recommended for release to the legal heirs of the deceased as per applicable SDRF norms.
He further stated that a double-storey shopping complex comprising 29 shops, along with a residential shed, was damaged or washed away in the floods at Qasba Beerwah. Preliminary assessments have been carried out by PWD-R&B, the Municipal Committee, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies, while verification of land title and final assessment of the losses remain under process.
The Deputy Chief Minister also informed the House that a detailed assessment of crop and horticulture losses had been conducted by the Agriculture Production Department. Crop damage was reported over 5 hectares, including 3.15 hectares of paddy, 1.65 hectares of vegetables and 0.20 hectares of maize.
Horticulture damage was reported over 0.334 hectares, affecting seven orchardists, with claims amounting to Rs 30,000. Compensation for the assessed losses will be provided according to the applicable norms, he said.
Choudhary further stated that the District SDRF Committee had assessed damage to roads, bridges and culverts under the R&B Division, Beerwah, and recommended Rs 1,092.92 lakh for restoration works.
In addition, Rs 11.41 lakh has been recommended for restoration of the 33 KV Ahmad Pora-Beerwah power transmission line under Sub Transmission Division-II, KPDCL, Rajbagh, Srinagar.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the administration and concerned departments were undertaking assessment and restoration measures to address the losses caused by the flash floods and provide relief to affected residents.(PTK)
