Flood victim's kin to get additional Rs 1 lakh: Prithiviraj Chavan

NAGPUR: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan today announced an additional financial aid of Rs one lakh from the CM relief fund, besides the regular assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh to the kin of flood victims in the region.

"Additional Rs one lakh would be given to the kin of the deceased from the CM Relief Fund, besides the existing compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh," Chavan told reporters here tonight.

Heavy rains and floods have claimed several lives in the region, though official figures were not yet available.

Winding up the day-long tour of the flood-affected Washim, Karanja, Chandrapur in the region, Chavan said a detailed assessment of damages due to last week's heavy rains was being carried out by the district authorities.

"The divisional authorities have been directed to submit the detailed assessment of damages by tomorrow evening for informing the State Legislature on Monday," Chavan said. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar was also present on the occasion.

"The state government will initiate many measures, including cleanliness drive and desilting of rivulets, rivers passing through the city and the civic authorities have been directed to remove encroachment from both the sides, thereby allowing free flow of rain water and clear water logging," Chavan said.

According to him the height of the protective wall along the river in city areas would be raised to prevent water from entering the city.

The chief minister added that he had appealed to the corporate houses to help the flood-affected people.

He also assured to make available seeds for sowing operations to farmers in the region.

Minister for Rehabilitation Patangrao Kadam, Minister for EGS Nitin Raut and District Gaurdian Minister Shivajirao Moghe were also present in the review meeting held at the Divisional Commissionerate here.