New Delhi: The Centre has released Rs 1,000 crore to the West Bengal government, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A team of the Union government will also visit West Bengal soon to assess the damage caused by ‘Cyclone Amphan’.
The rescue-and-relief operations in West Bengal were discussed at a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, here Monday.
As announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his aerial survey and review of the relief efforts with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a sum of Rs 1,000 crore has already been released to the state government, an official statement said. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be sending a team to West Bengal to assess the damage caused by the cyclone, it added.
Continuing with the coordination efforts and restoration measures in the areas of West Bengal affected by ‘Amphan’, the NCMC met for the fifth time in connection with the natural calamity.
The chief secretary of West Bengal thanked the Centre for the support provided for relief and restoration. Restoration of the power and telecommunication infrastructure was stated to be a priority in the cyclone-affected areas of the state.
While telecom connectivity has been restored in most areas, the damage to the local power distribution network has affected the restoration of complete supply in some areas. Central agencies are deployed in these efforts, along with teams from neighbouring states, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Army has also been pressed into service in Kolkata to help in road clearances, along with teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force.
PTI