Himachal Pradesh CM conducts ariel survey of flood-hit regions in Kangra, assures of special package

Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) [India], August 16 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions of Indora and Fatehpur in the Kangra district. 
He took stock of the evacuation operation flooded downstream of Pong Reservoir and other relief works. 
While interacting with the people in relief camps set up at Damtal and Shekhpura, the Chief Minister inquired into their well-being, besides assuring them of all possible assistance from the government, he expressed concern over the loss.
CM Sukhu said that damages to a colossal extent have been caused to both public and private properties. People have lost their homes and large areas under harvest have been submerged under water, causing massive losses to the farmers.
"I assure you of a special package, especially for these areas in terms of relief and compensation. Affected families will be provided increased compensation", said the Chief Minister. 
He directed the administration to make sure that the people sheltered in relief camps may be looked after well.
Apart from free lodging and boarding, the health department has also deputed medical teams to take care of children, elders besides others. The Chief Minister directed to ensure sufficient stock of eateries, and essential medicines besides anti-venom.
Interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that as many as 27 Panchayats of Indora and Fatehpur area have been affected due to water logging downstream the Pong reservoir out of which 22 Panchayats have been severely affected due to flood. Nearly 1,150 persons have been evacuated so far with the help of the Indian Air Force, Army, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force.
Police and Home Guards personnel have also been roped in for the evacuation process, he added.

He said, "During the last 50 years, this was the most catastrophic natural calamity the State has gone through. Financial assistance of rupees one lakh would be provided for partially damaged houses and all possible help will also be extended for rebuilding their houses". 
CM Sukhu also directed the authorities for making arrangements for extra classes for the students who have missed their regular classes in the schools. He also assured the evacuated migrant labourers of every possible assistance, besides arrangements for their transportation if they were willing to go back to their states.
Furthermore, he also had his meal with the people sheltered at Radha Swami Satsang Bhawan Shekhpura.
During the aerial survey, Agriculture Minister, Chander Kumar; MLAs, Bhawani Singh Pathania and Malender Rajan; Vice Chairman State Industrial Development Corporation; Ex-MLA Ajay Mahajan; Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal; SP, (District Nurpur) Ashok Rattan were present among others. 
Meanwhile, the state education department has announced that all schools and colleges in the state will remain closed tomorrow in view of the weather conditions. (ANI)