PM urged to declare national disaster: Congress
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 10 2024: Congress party has written to the Prime Minister urging to declare the severe hailstorm that swept across the state on May 5 as a national disaster and sanction grant of at least Rs 200 crore as relief package, according to Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra.

He informed about the party's formal conveyance to the Prime Minister during visit to hailstorm affected areas in Naoriya Pakhanglakpa assembly constituency on Friday, accompanied by MPCC secretary Dr S Manaoton.

Interacting with the media at the residence of one Soubam Romesh of Langthabal Lep Mayai Leikai, whose house has been severely damaged by the recent hailstorm, Meghachandra acknowledged the report produced by chief minister N Biren regarding the number of affected houses and relief fund released by the government.

He, however, criticised the state government for not initiating official process to declare the recent hailstorm as a national disaster by adopting a cabinet resolution and submitting the same to the Central government.

Without any assistance from the centre, the mere Rs 6.90 crore would be like a drop in the vast ocean, Meghachandra opined, while pointing out that as per the National Disaster Management Authority, the extent of damage the state suffered would require a minimum of Rs 200 crore relief package.

Stating that the Congress party had submitted a written request to the Prime Minister to declare the unprecedented situation in the state as a national disaster and provide adequate relief package, Meghachandra urged the state government to pursue the same with the Central government.

Noting that the state government had sanctioned Rs 6.90 crore for relief measures after over 15,400 houses and hectares of agricultural farms were damaged by the hailstorm on May 5, K Meghachandra's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged "Urgent request for declaring the unprecedented...

hailstorm with strong winds on May 5, as a natural disaster and grant for immediate relief of minimum Rs 200 crore for the affected people of Manipur in a time bound manner".

The people have not experienced a natural disaster of such magnitude in the history of the state, he said.

Meanwhile, addressing the media during his inspection visit, Meghachandra wondered why the state government has not pressured the Centre on the issue.

"The amount sanctioned by the state government is not sufficient to cover the losses of the people" he said, alleging that the state government has not apprised the centre of the situation.

Mention may be made that chief minister N Biren on Thursday said the government will compensate for the losses incurred by farmers, and materials for reconstruction of houses will reach people within four days.

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