Varanasi: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the number of districts affected by floods in the state has come down from 45 a decade ago to 14 at present, where only limited waterlogging has been reported.“Ten years ago, 40 to 45 districts were affected by floods during this season. Today, it is satisfying that there are only 14 districts where some water has arrived,” he said after conducting an aerial survey of flood-affected areas along the Ganga and Varuna rivers.The CM also visited a relief camp in Salarpur and assured affected families that no victim would be allowed to face hardship.He said 567 families across 16 wards have been affected, with 48 boats deployed for relief and rescue operations, while crops belonging to 1,131 farmers have been damaged and compensation would be provided.The CM visited Vidyavihar Inter College, where a relief camp has been set up for flood-hit families. He interacted with victims, listened to their concerns, reviewed the arrangements and distributed disaster relief kits. Addressing the gathering amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev”, he assured people that the state govt stood firmly with them.Yogi said waterlogging in low-lying areas occurs due to the backflow of the Varuna river. He noted that earlier, 40 to 45 districts in UP were affected during the rainy season, but due to sustained work over the past nine-and-a-half years, only 14 districts are currently facing a minor impact. He also said diseases such as encephalitis, which once severely affected children, have now been brought under control.He said the district administration and party workers were carrying out relief operations on a war footing. He added that Kashi is emerging in a new form as “New Kashi”, with projects such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham, developed ghats, upgraded railway and bus stations, airport development, road widening and the ring road enhancing the city’s dignity.He said relief kits being provided at the disaster relief camp include 26 essential items, such as milk and fruits for children, grains, buckets, mugs, biscuits, salt, towels and oil. He added that funds for the relief measures had been provided by the Prime Minister.Yogi directed officials to ensure compensation for farmers whose crops have been submerged. He said cases of house collapse, lightning strikes and snakebite have been included under disaster relief, with a provision to provide Rs 4 lakh to affected families within 24 hours. He also directed that homeless families be provided houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana or Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.He said 567 families in 16 wards have been affected and 48 boats have been deployed for relief and rescue operations. He said Ayushman cards were being provided for medical assistance. He added that crops belonging to 1,131 farmers had been damaged and that appropriate compensation would be ensured. Once floodwaters recede, spraying will be carried out to prevent the spread of diseases.At the relief camp, CM Yogi took feedback from more than 160 flood victims regarding the facilities. A total of 40 families are staying at the camp, including 65 men, 60 women, 34 children and six elderly people. He also interacted with children at the camp and asked them about their studies.During the visit, the CM garlanded the statue of freedom fighter Jaggu Ram Maurya. He also held a review meeting for about 20 minutes at the Police Lines safe house with public representatives and police-administrative officials to assess the flood situation and ongoing relief work.Labour and employment minister Anil Rajbhar welcomed the CM and said that whenever people are affected by floods, relief camps are set up immediately under his direction. He said the government stands at the doorstep of the people during natural disasters.After visiting the relief camp, Yogi offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath temples before proceeding to Babatpur Airport and returning to Lucknow.
