Chandigarh- Taking proactive steps to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Haryana Government has sanctioned an advance amount of Rs. 99 lakh for immediate relief and response efforts in all districts of the state.
Divulging more details in this regard, Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra said that this timely financial provision will enable district administrations to take swift action in the event of natural disruptions or any other disasters/calamities without waiting for additional approvals.
She said that while reaffirming the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini's commitment to the welfare of its citizens, disaster preparedness is a top priority and departments concerned have been directed to coordinate closely with district administrations to ensure prompt, effective, and compassionate response in the face of natural or other disasters.
Sharing the details about the allocated amount, Dr. Sumita Misra said that each Deputy Commissioner has been allocated an advance of Rs. 4.50 lakh to facilitate prompt and effective measures. This includes Rs. 25, 000 for the provision of food and clothing to affected individuals, Rs. 25, 000 for the arrangement of sirkies and tents to establish temporary shelters, and Rs. 25, 000 for the supply of fodder to safeguard livestock in flood-hit areas.
Besides this, an equal amount of Rs. 25, 000 has been set aside to cover miscellaneous expenditures such as transportation of relief materials and fuel costs (POL). In addition Rs. 50, 000 has been earmarked for the repair of damaged houses, and Rs. 50, 000 will be utilized for other relief measures. However, the largest portion, Rs. 2.50 lakh per district, has been specifically allocated for dewatering operations in rural regions, where waterlogging poses a significant risk during periods of intense rainfall, informed Dr. Sumita Misra.
The total amount will be drawn from budget provisions already sanctioned for the financial year 2025–26, under various heads of the disaster relief and rehabilitation budget, said Dr. Sumita Misra. She emphasized that adequate funds are currently available under these heads, ensuring that there is no financial hurdle in executing timely relief operations.