Northeast Desk, 18th October: The Sikkim State Cabinet convened a meeting on October 17, 2023, at the Cabinet Hall of Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok, to address the devastating flash floods that occurred on October 4, 2023, in the Teesta River. The meeting discussed a total of 205 agenda items and made several key decisions:
- The Cabinet adopted a resolution expressing deep condolences for the loss of lives, livelihoods, property, and critical infrastructure caused by the flash floods. They thanked the people, the Government of India, other state governments, and organizations for their overwhelming support.
- The Cabinet introduced two new housing schemes to alleviate the loss and suffering of those affected by the flash floods:
- Sikkim Punarvaas Awaas Yojana: This scheme aims to construct 2,100 houses in safe locations for those whose houses were completely washed away or severely/partially damaged by the floods. No rent will be charged by the government for the first three years of allotment.
- Sikkim Janta Housing Colony: Under this scheme, 2,000 houses will be constructed in safe locations to rehabilitate tenants affected by the flash floods. Tenants will be allotted houses on a rental basis, with no rent for the first three years.
- The government will grant rent aid for three months at Rs. 5,000 per month to help victims in the relief camps move to rented accommodation.
- The government will provide basic household items such as kitchen utensils, gas stoves, gas cylinders, mattresses, blankets, and other daily household items to assist victims in settling down in rented accommodation.
- House owners in the affected areas are urged not to increase rental charges beyond the normal market rate.
- The Building & Housing Department will conduct a stability study to determine whether damaged houses are fit for habitation.
- The Roads & Bridges Department, along with the Rural Development Department and Border Road Organization (BRO), will study the stability of bridges affected by the flash flood to plan required repair works.
- District Collectors will set up camps in affected areas to reissue important documents such as Voter Card, Adhar Card, Land Parcha, Ration Card, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Identification, Community Certificate, and Trade License to victims who lost these documents in the flood.
- The government will provide a one-time grant of Rs. 10,000 per student who lost their belongings in the flash flood for the purchase of new uniforms and notebooks.
- An administrative approval and financial sanction of Rs. 881,91,00,000 have been granted for the construction of houses under “Punarvaas Awaas Yojana” and “Janta Housing Colony.”
- A technical committee of eminent scientists will be formed to investigate the causes of the disaster and provide recommendations for the management of glacial lakes.
- The Chief Secretary will convene a State Level Bankers Committee Meeting to ensure that RBI’s circular on relief measures by banks in areas affected by natural calamities is implemented.
- The Cabinet will confer a Special State Bravery Award on Dr. Pema Tenzing Bhutia and Dawa Tshering Lepcha for their bravery and courage during the catastrophic flash floods. Their names will also be recommended to the Government of India for an appropriate award.
The decisions reflect the state’s commitment to help victims rebuild their lives and recover from the disaster, as well as its gratitude for the solidarity shown by its citizens and support from various quarters.