Chauhan Visits Flood Hit Jammu Areas, assesses damage to crops, infra
Says “PM-Kisan, MGNREGA, Housing Help on the Way”
Jammu: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday assured flood-affected farmers in the Jammu region of the Centre’s support, emphasizing the government’s commitment to assist those impacted by the recent floods.
During his visit to assess the damage, he communicated directly with farmers and displaced residents, expressing the government’s dedication to providing necessary aid. Chouhan highlighted that inter-ministerial teams from various ministries, including Home Affairs and Agriculture, have been deployed to evaluate the situation. The state administration is compiling assessment reports for further evaluation by the Centre. Following his visit, he chaired a review meeting with the Jammu and Kashmir government to discuss relief measures. Key announcements included the immediate release of an instalment under the PM-Kisan scheme for affected farmers and an increase in MGNREGA workdays from 100 to 150 in flood-hit areas. Compensation for farmers who lost livestock was also promised, alongside financial support for rebuilding damaged homes, with Rs 1,30,000 allocated per house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Chouhan addressed the needs of local Self Help Groups, announcing a release of Rs 76,000 crore to support them. He also suggested that farmers be allowed to retain sand deposited in their fields by floodwaters, recommending regulatory relaxation by the Jammu and Kashmir Mining Department. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has Rs 2,499 crore available in the disaster management fund for immediate relief and rehabilitation, with the possibility of additional support from the Centre for repairing damaged irrigation infrastructure.
