Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared areas in Haridwar, which were waterlogged consequent to floods, as “disaster-prone” on Friday. In response to the challenging situation, the government has taken several measures to provide respite to the impacted residents. The payment of electricity, water bills, and other government dues and loans has been deferred for the next three months.
The heavy rains have caused landslides, leading to blockages in several places, including the Badrinath and Yamunotri National Highway. In Haridwar district, 71 villages in Roorkee, Laksar, Bhagwanpur, and Haridwar tehsils have been submerged, instigating multiple families to leave their homes, and 81 families have been relocated to temporary relief centres.
After reviewing the waterlogging and flood situation in Haridwar, CM Dhami announced the distribution of relief funds promptly after conducting surveys in the disaster-affected areas. To prevent similar disasters in the future, the government is working on a flood management plan. Additionally, a comprehensive plan for drainage and construction of small culverts is being prepared.
CM Dhami emphasized the need to channel rivers to mitigate the risk of future floods and also revealed plans for constructing permanent flood relief centres.
During a meeting with officials, the Chief Minister instructed them to ensure the normal functioning of essential facilities such as drinking water, healthcare, communication, and electricity in the waterlogged regions.
The landslides have caused road blockages in various areas, including the Badrinath National Highway between Nandprayag and Badrinath, the Karnaprayag-Gairsain National Highway at Kalimati near Gairsain, and the Rishikesh-Yamunotri National Highway near Dharasu band in Uttarkashi district.
A cloudburst in Rauli village of Thalisain area, Pauri district, resulted in damage to four residential buildings and the flooding of approximately two hectares of agricultural land. Tragically, a man’s cowshed was washed away, leading to the loss of all the animals housed inside.
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