The state government has released Rs. 10 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund as the fourth installment of disaster relief for last year’s devastating floods. With total aid now at Rs. 35 crore, the funds will support housing repairs, livelihoods, and rehabilitation of nearly 17 lakh affected people.
The state government has released yet another significant installment of disaster relief funds to support people affected by last year’s devastating floods. On Saturday, an amount of Rs. 10 crore was disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), marking the fourth instalment of financial assistance provided in the aftermath of the disaster.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), this latest allocation brings the total amount released so far to Rs. 35 crore, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to rehabilitation and relief measures. The funds have been handed over to the Revenue Department, which is tasked with ensuring their proper utilization for the welfare of affected families.
Scale of Last Year’s Disaster
The floods that struck in mid-August last year were among the worst in recent history. Torrential rains triggered massive flooding that caused widespread devastation across multiple districts. Official records show that the floods claimed 24 lives, affected nearly 17 lakh people, and caused damages estimated at over Rs. 15,000 crore.
Large swathes of agricultural land, roads, and public infrastructure were submerged, while thousands of homes were either partially or completely destroyed. Many families lost their livelihoods as crops, livestock, and small businesses were washed away. Schools, health centers, and local markets were forced to shut down, further deepening the crisis.
The scale of destruction underscored the urgent need for sustained financial support, not only for immediate relief but also for long-term rehabilitation.
Government’s Relief Measures
In response, the state government quickly mobilized resources from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, with three prior installments disbursed earlier to address urgent humanitarian needs. Saturday’s Rs. 10 crore installment is aimed at continuing this support.
Officials in the Revenue Department confirmed that the funds will be directed towards housing repairs, rehabilitation of displaced families, restoration of essential services, and livelihood support for farmers and small business owners. Special focus is also being given to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, many of whom continue to face hardships even a year after the floods.
The Chief Minister emphasized that disaster relief remains a top priority for his administration. He highlighted that while immediate rescue and relief operations were completed within weeks of the floods, long-term rehabilitation requires sustained funding. The government is working in coordination with local authorities and central agencies to ensure transparent utilization of the relief funds.
Community Impact and Ongoing Needs
For flood survivors, financial relief offers a much-needed lifeline. Many families are still struggling to rebuild their homes and restore their sources of income. Relief funds are being distributed in phases to ensure equitable coverage across all affected areas.
Civil society organizations and volunteers who were active during the floods have welcomed the government’s continued financial support. However, they stress that beyond relief, long-term investments in flood management, embankment strengthening, and disaster preparedness are necessary to reduce vulnerability in the future.
Experts also point out that climate change and irregular rainfall patterns are increasing the frequency and intensity of floods in the region. This makes it critical for the state to adopt a forward-looking disaster management strategy that balances short-term relief with long-term resilience building.
Looking Ahead
The release of Rs. 35 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund so far highlights the state government’s responsiveness in times of crisis. Yet, given the sheer scale of damages—estimated at over Rs. 15,000 crore—there is a long road ahead for complete recovery.
The administration has assured that it will continue releasing funds in a phased manner while also pushing for greater financial support from the central government. Simultaneously, disaster preparedness measures, including early warning systems and better infrastructure planning, are being prioritized.
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For now, the Rs. 10 crore installment offers reassurance to thousands of affected families that their struggles have not been forgotten. It stands as a reminder that recovery from such massive natural disasters is a collective responsibility that requires consistent effort, planning, and compassion.