Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Shravasti and Balrampur districts.
During the survey, the CM took detailed information from officials regarding the extent of the floods and directed them to expedite the delivery of relief materials to those affected.
Following the aerial survey, he visited the flood-affected areas on the ground and interacted with children and women impacted by the disaster and oversaw the distribution of relief materials to those in need. In a gesture of support, the CM handed out cheques of Rs 4 lakh each to families who had lost their loved ones due to the floods.
In recognition of their efforts, the CM honoured PAC personnel who had helped evacuate flood victims to the safe zones, presenting them with certificates of appreciation. He also announced special rewards and cash prizes for their bravery and service.
State Minister Swatantra Dev Singh and other local public representatives were also present during the CM’s visit, supporting the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in the flood-affected regions.
Yogi conducted an aerial survey of all the flood-affected villages in Ikauna Tehsil of Shravasti to assess the flood situation there with the officials. Devi Patan Divisional Commissioner Shashi Bhushan Sushil and Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi informed him that the floods were caused in the district by the sudden release of water from Nepal following heavy rainfall in the country. Currently, the water level is decreasing gradually.
Following this, he inspected the Lakshmanpur Kothi Rapti Barrage on the ground. There, he met with each of the 11 victims rescued from the floods and inquired about their well-being. During his visit, the CM interacted affectionately with the children present, distributing candies and biscuits to them.
The CM felicitated Rekha Devi, the village guide and 5 PAC jawans who gave information about the people trapped in the floods by giving them certificates. Additionally, he announced cash rewards for all seven individuals. He also handed out cheques of Rs 4 lakh each to four families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
In his address to the flood victims, he said that immediate assistance is being provided to the families of farmers and sharecroppers who lost their lives due to various disasters, including human-wildlife conflict, snake bites and lightning.
He mentioned that currently, 12 districts in the state are affected by floods, impacting 633 villages across 33 tehsils, with a total affected population of approximately 17.97 lakhs, including over 18,000 cattle. More than 1.45 lakh hectares of agricultural land have also been affected, he said.
Meanwhile, over 923 flood outposts have been established to monitor the flood situation and relief efforts. Additionally, more than 1,033 flood shelters have been set up to house the flood-affected people.
In Shravasti alone, 116 villages are either fully or partially affected by floods. The erosion situation is critical in 15 villages, affecting a population of 76,000 and over 23,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Yogi emphasised that the state government is conducting relief operations with full force, which is why the loss of life and property has been minimal despite the ongoing flood crisis.
He held a meeting with officials, directing them to survey the flood-damaged crops and provide immediate compensation, along with other necessary instructions.
While talking to the families affected by the flood disaster, the CM said that the government stands with them in this time of crisis and that they didn’t need to worry about anything. “The state government is trying to help you in every possible way. Our effort is to ensure you don’t face any problems,” he said.
He mentioned that around 50,000 people and more than 32,000 hectares of agricultural land are affected by the floods in Balrampur. “For relief work, boats have been arranged by the NDRF, SDRF, and PAC Flood Units along with the administration.
Directives have been given to provide houses under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana to those whose houses have been damaged by the floods,” he said.
UNI AB KK
