Uttarakhand: Garhwal Commissioner inspects disaster-affected areas in Tehri

Tehri Garhwal (Uttarakhand) [India], July 29 (ANI): Following the instructions of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Commissioner of Garhwal Division Vinay Shankar Pandey inspected disaster relief camps and disaster-affected areas in Tehri district on Monday.

Pandey visited Government Inter College Vinak Khal, Tingarh village, and Budhakedar, listening to the concerns of the affected residents. He held meetings with disaster-affected individuals and officials in temporary relief camps, assuring them of the government’s commitment to sensitive and effective disaster relief efforts.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasised that there should be no shortage of funds for disaster relief work. During his visit, the Commissioner reviewed the arrangements in the relief camps, instructing for power backup, television access, children’s education, and livelihood support.

Pandey directed the District Magistrate to make alternative arrangements for sheltering animals, provide fodder and water, and conduct a geological survey to identify land for the rehabilitation of Tingarh village. The geological survey has been completed, and in-principle approval has been granted.

The Commissioner also announced the approval of Rs 8 crore for road safety in Budhakedar, directing the Irrigation Department to initiate the tender process promptly.

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in response to the heavy rains and landslides affecting the Bal Ganga and Budhakedar areas of the Bhilangana development block in Tehri Garhwal.

Chief Minister Dhami received updates on the relief efforts on Sunday from MLA Shakti Lal Shah and Tehri Garhwal District Magistrate Mayur Dixit. Dhami also directed the District Magistrate to immediately identify sensitive villages in the affected areas and relocate residents to safer locations.

On July 27, the Chief Minister expressed his condolences over the incident and instructed Tehri Minister Premchand Aggarwal to visit the affected areas and review the relief and rescue operations. Dhami also emphasised the need for arrangements to keep cattle and other domestic animals safe.

Additionally, the Chief Minister directed the District Magistrate to prioritise the provision of electricity, drinking water, and other essential services in the relief camps and to promptly disburse permissible relief amounts to the victims.