Gangtok, Oct 8 ( UNI) Describing the Sikkim flash floods as a huge tragedy, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra has said saving human life was the priority now.
Mishra, now on a visit to Sikkim, took stock of the flood situation in the state at a high level meeting on Saturday.
The Chief Secretary VB Pathak and other officers concerned of the state government and the National Highway Authority of India, Border Road Organisation, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Indian Army and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation were present during the deliberations at the Tashiling Secretariat.
Mishra enquired about the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation from October onwards and was briefed by Chief Secretary Pathak.
Mishra said the demands of the state would be instantly met.
‘To restore normal life we (Centre & state ) have to work together. We have been working on identification of priorities. And to ensure that requirements of public are fulfilled,’ said Minister Mishra. He appreciated the zeal and dedication of CM P S Tamang in taking care of the situation and reaching out to the affected.
‘The PM is very sensitive. We don’t look at everything from a political angle, but have been always giving importance to human resources. Sikkim is very important and different from others, not to be compared even with other states,’ said the Minister, responding to a question.
Mishra disclosed that an Inter-ministerial Committee constituted for assessing the extent of damage caused by the flash flood and providing assistance wherever necessary is going to visit affected areas from Sunday.
The MoS directed the state government officers to prepare short term and long-term plans,for rebuilding at the earliest.
