Agartala, Jan 10, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Jan 10: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that Rs 34.98 Crore was donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) during the flood and informed that the relief fund from the Central Government is in process and will be released soon. 

While speaking about the Tripura government’s steps in distributing relief to flood-affected people on the first day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Friday, Dr. Saha said that from August 19 to 23, Tripura witnessed massive floods, landslides, and extensive damage. People lost their lives, and many sustained injuries.  

He stated that among the 12 rivers in Tripura, all the rivers except the Juri river flowed above the danger level. 
Six rivers surpassed all levels. Due to the floods, all eight districts were affected, but South Tripura, Gomati, and Sepahijala districts were massively impacted.  

“Around 17 lakh people were victims of this flood. Approximately 889 relief camps were opened, and around 2 lakh people took shelter. About 38 persons lost their lives, and 58,780 houses were damaged. Agriculture suffered the most damage, costing around Rs 3,252 Crore. Water resources were damaged to the tune of Rs 3,083 Crore. Rural development sustained damages worth Rs 3,009 Crore, roads and bridges were damaged to the extent of Rs 1,900 Crore, and fish and animal resources were affected by losses of Rs 1,543 Crore,” said Dr. Saha.  

He noted that all the line departments were on the field during the floods, including 32 teams of SDRF, 11 teams of NDRF, Assam Rifles, Fire and Emergency Services, Civil Defence, Apada Mitras, and others.  

“We also distributed food and drinking water. Everyone came together in this situation. Three helicopters were deployed for airdropping food and other supplies. Schools and Anganwadis were closed to serve as shelter houses. I personally visited the flood-affected areas. We also convened an all-party meeting. I monitored the situation personally, along with Cabinet ministers,” he informed the house.  

Dr. Saha further informed that he had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting the release of funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).  

“Based on the letter, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team arrived from August 28 to 31, 2024, to assess the destruction. Later, on September 13, 2024, a memorandum on the damages worth Rs 7,081 Crore was submitted for additional relief, which the Central Government is currently reviewing. We are confident that the amount will be received. The team has revisited. From SDRF, Rs 40 Crore, and from NDRF, Rs 25 Crore have been allocated to Tripura for flood relief. We are releasing these funds. We have declared an immediate package worth Rs 564 Crore, department-wise,” he said.  

He informed that so far, donations amounting to Rs 34.98 Crore have been received in the CMRF from other states, common people, and organizations.  

“From the fund, Rs 12 Crore has been given to the Revenue Department for relief work, and an additional Rs 13 Crore was later given. Many Chief Ministers have also donated. The Central Government’s fund is in process. Around 53,830 families have received over Rs 58 Crore for home repairs, and Rs 6 Crore has been given for books, clothes, and utensils,” he added.