Adequate funds released to grassroots functionaries to address exigencies: CS

‘RELIEF AND RESCUE MEASURES BEING EFFECTIVELY WELL’
GANGTOK, 22 Sept: Chief Secretary, Karma Gyatso, addressing a media briefing to present the status update on the Earthquake relief measures, informed that the Chief Minister convened a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP and officials from all line departments involved in the day-to-day post-Earthquake operation this morning. This meeting, he said, was detailed and specific and took several clear decisions.
The meeting decided to release Rs 5 lakh each to all GPUs, Rs 10 lakh each to the Dzumsas at Lachen and Lachung, Rs 50 lakh to District Collectors, Rs 10 lakh each to the 9 SDMs and Rs 5 lakh each to the 29 BDOs across the State.
He informed that this amount will be over and above other miscellaneous expenses released to the DCs, and added there was provision to release more as and when requested.

More than 100 relief camps have been set up across the State and food supplies and other required materials have been reached to these camps, he added, with the CM having released Rs 1 Lakh each for every relief camp under the respective BDOs to meet exigencies.
Meanwhile, two more Pawan Hans helicopters have been placed in the State’s service to assist relief operations operation. The State now has seven helicopters in the skies which are running up to nine sorties each to North Sikkim on a daily basis. The Army has 14 helicopters of its own running relief operations as well.
In this regard, the CS also clarified that not a single tourist is still stranded in North Sikkim and that all have been air-lifted out of North Sikkim. The helicopters are also making flights to air-drop food supplies and medical aid to areas which still remain inaccessible by road in North Sikkim.
On the status of infrastructure, the CS informed that the CM has directed the PHE & WS, Power and Road & Bridges Secretaries to ensure immediate restoration and stressed that no lapses will be tolerated in reaching medical aid and facilities and further directed the Food & Civil Supplies Secretary to ensure that no shortages hit the affected areas.
The CS and the DGP also visited North Sikkim and met panchayats, Army and residents there. He assured that despite the scale of destruction, the rescue efforts and relief measures were progressing well on ground to the extent possible in the face of the challenges.
He informed that a police communication centre has been set in Dzongu and Sikkim Armed Police personnel deployed there along with additional medical facilities and army.
GOC, 17 Mountain Division, in turn, informed that a total of 110 people were air-lifted out of the affected areas of North Sikkim today. Among them are 21 tourists from Lachung, 10 South Africans from Saffo and 38 from Chungthang.
He also informed that injured persons at Shipgyer, Salem-Pakel, Saffo and Toong were also provided medical attention on location and enough rations dropped in affected areas.
On the rumours of more disaster having hit Lachung, he clarified that a special sortie by an army helicopter over Lachung late this afternoon confirmed that there was not new emergency there.
With most parts of the State, including Gangtok, suffering disrupted water supply, the PHE Secretary informed massive damage to pipelines, supply is being tapped from local sources and being supplied on alternate days. He mentioned that the department has been working hard to complete at least temporary restoration within 10 days, but permanent restoration will take some more time for Gangtok and its adjoining areas.
He informed that partial restoration has been completed for Namchi and of the two supply lines to Jorethang, one is likely to be restored soon.
The Power Department Secretary informs that a team of engineers have been sent to Lachung to assess the damage to the power installations there.
The Chief Secretary also conveyed the Chief Minister’s thanks towards the Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram, for his Sikkim visit and for his genuine concern for the State and its people.
The CM, is also touring the districts, starting with North Sikkim on Friday, after which he will be travelling to South and West districts, the CS informed. The CM is also scheduled to meet district officials, and officers of the armed and para-military to take an update on the relief and rescue measures.