Hailstorm affected families decry delay in relief aid
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 25 2024:
Many families, whose houses were damaged by the recent hailstorm that struck the state on May 5, have raised their dissatisfaction with the relief efforts, questioning whether the government is involving politics in distribution of zinc sheets.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle, several affected families in Imphal West district recounted that after their houses were damaged by the hailstorm, the government assured to distribute roofing sheets for reconstruction and also provide assistance for crops damaged by the hailstones.
As such, the affected families submitted photographs of their damaged homes and crops to the deputy commissioners concerned.
The DCs concerned published lists of the same and began providing relief materials.
However, in reality, no assistance has been received till date, one of the individuals seeking shelter at someone's home conveyed.
The individual conveyed that they have no means to rebuild their house.
Although the individual's name is included in the DCs' list, he is yet to receive the zinc sheets, while some have reported receiving the same.
The individual continued that no official came to visit or inspect their damaged home and questioned whether the roofing sheets are being distributed to those known or connected with the MLAs.
They further wondered if politics is being played over the distribution of the sheets considering the lack of assistance from the government for almost a month.
In this regard, DC Imphal West Th Kirankumar spoke to this daily, stating that the government had released a list of families/households affected by the hailstorm.
The officials concerned then analyse the lists with the pradhans, councillors, clubs and MLAs, to prioritise the most in need and distribute two bundles of roofing sheet to each family.
For Imphal West district, around 40,000 roofing sheet bundles are to be distributed of which only 6000-7000 bundles have been distributed till date.
Although the distribution is pacing slow, the roofing sheets will be distributed to the beneficiaries mentioned in the official lists in the coming days, he conveyed.
Mention may be made here that the Indian Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for north-eastern states including Manipur of possible heavy winds and thunderstorm on May 26 and 27 .