Prayagraj: In a bid to ensure faster and more transparent relief for disaster-affected families, UP govt has leveraged technology to streamline compensation for victims of floods, droughts, lightning strikes, heatwaves and cold waves.The state has implemented the Rahat Portal and Aapda Prahari app to make relief distribution swift, trackable and accountable. The initiative aims to ensure that assistance reaches beneficiaries quickly during times of crisis.Earlier, the process of providing financial assistance in disaster-related death cases involved multiple stages, including application and document uploads by the lekhpal, followed by verification by the kanungo, tehsildar and additional district magistrate (ADM), after which funds were transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The new technology-driven system has significantly expedited the process.According to ADM (finance and revenue) Vinita Singh, financial assistance worth ₹2.56 crore has been provided in 64 death cases in the district during the 2026-27 financial year. During the same period, ₹7.43 lakh was distributed for the loss of 324 livestock, while ₹4.36 lakh was paid as compensation for damage to 103 houses.In comparison, during 2025-26, compensation amounting to ₹81.6 lakh was provided in 204 death cases. Govt also disbursed ₹24.9 lakh for the loss of 183 livestock and ₹26.6 lakh for damage to 662 houses.Officials said the technology-driven system has reduced delays in compensation. Under the revamped mechanism, the next of kin of people who lose their lives in natural, local or other notified disasters can receive compensation within 24 hours, providing immediate financial relief to affected families.
