SIKKIM ASSURED ON ADVANCE INSTALLMENT OF CRF
Gangtok, September 29: N.D. Chingapa, Chief Secretary accompanied by Anil K. Ganeriwala, Resident Commissioner, Government of Sikkim called on Madhukar Gupta, Union Home Secretary on 27.09.2007 and apprised him about the widespread damages caused by the incessant rains during August September, 2007 in the entire State, according to a press release received from Resident Commissioner, New Delhi. He also highlighted the seriousness of the problem caused due to road blockage along the NH 31 A which has completely disrupted the supply of essential commodities particularly LPG, Petrol and Diesel causing unprecedented hardship to the people of Sikkim. All the four districts in the State remained cut off from the State capital for almost a month due to road breaches. The heavy rainfall and cloud bursts caused extensive damages to life and property including houses, agricultural fields, etc. Chief Secretary requested Union Home Secretary to depute a Central Team to assess the damages caused due to incessant rain for financial assistance from National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF). He informed him that the State Government is preparing a detailed memorandum projecting the losses suffered and the quantum of financial assistance to be sought from the Department of Disaster Management, Govt of India. However, in view of the urgency of the matter, the Central Team could be sent for on the spot assessment of the damage caused and recommending immediate release of advance installment of Central Share of Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to help the State Government to take immediate relief and rehabilitation measures. Union Home Secretary expressed his deep concern over the problems faced by the people of Sikkim and gave assurance that advance installment of CRF will be immediately released to the State Government pending visit of the Central Team which would also be sent as soon as the memorandum is received from the State Govt.
