GYALSHING: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) visited the landslide affected area of Rimbi under 01-Yuksam Tashiding Assembly Constituency to assess the situation and review the relief and rehabilitation measures being undertaken for the affected families on October 9.
The Chief Minister first visited the landslide site, followed by the under construction rehabilitation centre. He subsequently proceeded to the relief camp, where he interacted with the affected families, listened to their concerns and assessed their immediate requirements.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation and MLA, Yuksom-Tashiding, Mr Tshering T Bhutia; Minister for Housing and Buildings, Mr Bhim Hang Subba; MLA, Zoom-Salghari, Mr Madan Cintury; MLA, Maneybong-Dentam, Mr Sudesh Subba; and MLA, Namthang-Rateypani, Mr Sanjeet Kharel.
Also present were District Collector-cum-District Magistrate, Gyalshing, Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa; Senior Superintendent of Police, Ms Paru Ruchal; Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Jacob Khaling; advisors; Zilla Adhyaksha and Zilla Upadhyaksha of Gyalshing; Secretaries and Heads of various departments; Officers on Special Duty (OSDs); Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs); Block Development Officers (BDOs); Commandants of the 72nd Battalion SSB, Yuksam, and the 36th Battalion SSB, Gyalshing; Panchayat President GPU, Zilla Panchayat Member and Panchayat members; along with other officials and rural public at large.
During his interaction with the affected families at the relief camp, the Chief Minister expressed regret over his inability to visit the area earlier. He stated that, despite not being physically present at the site sooner, he had directed the area MLA and the District Administration to visit immediately and ensure that necessary assistance was provided to the affected people.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the NGOs, Ministers, OSDs and individuals who had come forward to extend support to Rimbi during this difficult period. Acknowledging the extensive loss of land and houses suffered by the residents, he expressed relief that no lives had been lost in the disaster.
Assuring the affected families of the Government’s continued support, he stated that every possible assistance would be extended to help them rebuild their lives. He informed that houses under the State Government’s Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY) would be provided to families who had lost their homes, while land would be allotted to those who had lost their land. He further stated that suitable land with additional space would be considered to enable families to maintain kitchen gardens and rear livestock, thereby supporting their long-term livelihood needs.
The Chief Minister also announced financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the affected families as follows:
-Rs. 5 lakh each for houses that have been completely damaged.
-Rs. 2 lakh each for families whose kitchens have been completely damaged.
-Rs. 1 lakh each for other affected individuals.
-Rs. 50,000 each for tenants affected by the disaster.
Further, he directed all concerned departments to expedite essential works and ensure the timely restoration of services in the affected area. Emphasising the importance of a coordinated response, he instructed the line departments to work in close coordination to address the challenges arising from the disaster and ensure that the needs of the affected families were met without delay.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to stand by the people of Rimbi, the Chief Minister assured the affected families that assistance would be extended wherever required, including the provision of land and housing to those who had lost their homes and land. He concluded by expressing his appreciation to all individuals, organisations and agencies that had directly or indirectly contributed to relief and assistance efforts during this difficult time.
Earlier, Minister-cum-Area MLA, Yuksam Tashiding, Mr Tshering T Bhutia, welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. He briefed the gathering on the landslide and its impact on the lives and livelihoods of the affected residents, local businesses and government offices. He noted that the residents of Rimbi had remained vigilant and taken proactive measures when the landslide began. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his continued support and acknowledged the assistance extended by individuals and various organisations.
The District Collector-cum-District Magistrate, Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa, briefed the gathering on the landslide, the extent of damage caused and the immediate requirements of the affected families.
It may be mentioned that cheques for financial assistance and allotment of houses were distributed to the affected families during the Chief Minister’s visit today.
- IPR Report
