The Mizoram government has sought central assistance amounting to Rs 237.6 crore for mitigation and rehabilitation of people affected by Cyclone Remal, which struck the state on May 27 and 28. State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister K. Sapdanga said on Saturday.
During a meeting with an Inter-Ministerial Team representing various Union Ministries and state department officials in Aizawl, Sapdanga emphasised that the damage caused by Remal was far more devastating and widespread than initially predicted.
He highlighted the extensive destruction to highways, roads, water supplies, power transmissions, paddy fields, crops, and machinery, alongside the tragic loss of 34 lives.
Sapdanga welcomed the inter-ministerial team’s visit to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damages. He expressed confidence that the team would recognize the substantial funding required for mitigation, restoration, and rehabilitation.
The estimate submitted by the state government represents the minimum requirements based on NDRF and SDRF rates.
The inter-ministerial team, led by Abhijit Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, included members Jintu Das, Director, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare; Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure; Rajveer Singh, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Jal Shakti; Adelbert Susngi, Regional Officer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; and Moti Ram, Assistant Commissioner, Rural Development.
State officials from the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Public Works, Public Health Engineering, Power and Electricity, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments presented detailed PowerPoint presentations on the cyclone’s impact during a meeting chaired by State Chief Secretary Renu Sharma.
The central team visited Sairang village, where 28 buildings were inundated by the swollen Tlawng River, and 10 houses were damaged. They also inspected Melthum, Hlimen, and other affected areas where heavy rains triggered extensive damage.
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