Tripura CM Unveils Rs 564 Crore Package for Flood Relief

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has announced a Rs 564 crore relief package to address the extensive damage caused by recent floods. The funds will be allocated across various sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, education, and infrastructure, signaling a comprehensive approach to recovery efforts.

On Friday, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha unveiled a special relief package worth Rs 564 crore to aid flood-affected regions and residents. Addressing the Tripura Legislative Assembly on its third day, CM Saha detailed the extensive damage caused by recent flooding.

'Members of this Assembly are aware that the recent floods in the state have severely damaged roads, bridges, power transmission lines, agriculture, gardens, cultivable agricultural land, fish ponds, dams, animal resources, and houses,' Saha stated.

The Chief Minister further explained that national highways, state, and rural roads were underwater, with ponds, reservoirs, and farmlands inundated with silt and water. The initial damage estimate stands at Rs 14,247 crore, assessed by district magistrates and departmental officers. Saha emphasized the need for immediate relief and described the government's comprehensive package.

The relief package includes: Rs 70 crore for the Food and Civil Supplies Department, benefiting 9.8 lakh ration card holders with 10 kg of additional rice per month for two months. The agriculture sector received Rs 15 crore for seeds and fertilisers, and horticulture was allotted Rs 5 crore. The Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) was given Rs 5 crore to assist in animal health and recovery.

In education, Rs 12 crore was sanctioned for books and the repair of educational institutions. The Public Works Department received Rs 50 crore for drinking water supply and Rs 52 crore for urban and rural development. Health initiatives, including bleaching powder and ORS packets for disease prevention, received Rs 10 crore.

Additional allocations were made for water resources (Rs 35 crore), the Power Department (Rs 100 crore), and the Public Works Department (Rs 200 crore) for infrastructure repair. Saha noted that while recovery may take time, the package is a crucial step towards rebuilding.

(With inputs from agencies.)