Rijiju surveys flood ravaged Garo hills

TURA, SEPT 27: Union minister for state (Home) Kiren Rijiju on Saturday assured Meghalaya and Assam governments the union government cooperation for rebuilding flood devastated areas.

“I will hold a meeting with home minister Rajnath Singh tomorrow and brief him about the situation in Assam and Meghalaya”, said Rijiju.

Rijiju undertook an aerial survey of flood hit areas of Garo hills, along with Director General of NDRF DP Singh.

At Tura, Rijiju  held a review meeting with chief minister Mukul Sangma in presence of Tura Lok Sabha MP Purno Agitok Sangma.

The commissioner of division (Garo hills) Peter W Ingty briefed Rijiju about the devastating flood and landslides in the state, which has led to massive damage of infrastructure, loss of life and property, among others.

Ingty informed Rijiju that damage to the tune of Rs. 2000 crore has been assessed so far, which included Garo hills and parts of Khasi hills.

Rijiju assured the government that centre will provide immediate relief, so that rebuilding exercise can be started.  “Prime Minister, Narendra Modi will announce a package, once he returns from his America trip”, he said.

Rijiju noted that the impact of the flood is “quite deep” and “extensive”, which Meghalaya has never witnessed. He informed that union home minister Rajnath Singh will visit both Assam and Meghalaya on October 1to take stock of the situation.

“The damage is substantially very high. We will ensure that nodal ministry will look into the issue. Once the assessment is complete, the concerned ministry officials will review the magnitude of the situation and start its rebuilding exercise”, Rijiju said.

“I am from North East, so it will be easy for me to coordinate. I assure that I will be actively involved in overseeing the restoration works”, Rijiju added.

Chief minister Mukul Sangma submitted a memorandum addressed to the prime minister through Rijiju. Mukul requested Rijiju that army should be involved for restoration of the main connecting bridge in Mendipathar in North Garo Hills and Krishnai bridge in Assam’s Goalpara.- From Our Correspondent