Modi promises to work out long-term solution to Arunchal disasters: CM

Itanagar, Aug 1 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to work out a long-term solution to the recurring problem of natural disasters that hit Arunachal Pradesh every year, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Tuesday.

Khandu, who attended a review meeting to take stock of the flood situation in the northeast, chaired by Modi, at the Assam Administrative Staff College at Khanapara in the neighbouring state, said he had drawn attention to the problem and sought the central government's intervention for a foolproof system to not only avert natural disasters but also have a very quick and robust relief and damage control system, an official system said.

Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jitendra Singh, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Shakunta Gamlin and other senior government officials attended the meeting.

"Damages caused over the years have accumulated a severe burden to the state thereby creating a huge gap. The State is left with a mammoth task of restoring damages, which it is unable to carry out due to its meagre resource," Khandu said the meeting.

He also requested a comprehensive package for the state to meet the gap besides deputing the Inter-Ministerial Central team so that an accurate assessment of damage could be done.

Citing the national and state disaster relief fund norms that do not permit restoration works in certain sectors, he sought the Prime Minister's intervention in relaxing them for his state.

He also appealed for a special consideration for the damages that occurred in the state within a span of two to three months this year due to unprecedented incessant rain. Khandu also sought mitigation funds from the Central government prior to any disaster so that the state could gear up for preparedness instead of engaging itself for restoration works after the damages occur.

"A provision of advance funding for mitigation plan, advisory warnings and other preparedness activities will lessen the damage and avoid human losses," the Chief Minister said.

Assured all possible support to the state, Modi said that the Central government is committed to bring in a lasting solution to the state's flood situation as well as help the state cope up with the present situation.