CM meets affected families, announces interest-free loans for reconstruction of razed houses

Gangtok, 02 Feb [IPR]: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, immediately on completing his attendance at the Gram Swaraj Mela here, rushed to Rhenock to meet the victims of the fire there. Eleven houses were fully damaged and 9 partially damaged due to the fire.
The Chief Minister distributed ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each to the 11 houseowners who houses were completely damaged by the fire, Rs. 50,000 each to house owners whose houses were partially damaged, Rs. 50,000 each to those 18 tenants whose possessions were damaged by the fire, Rs 25,000 each to those 6 people who sustained minor injuries during the fire and Rs. 50,000 to the one Home Guard personnel who was more severely injured.
Mr. Chamling while interacting with the victims assured full cooperation from the government for relief and rehabilitation, and also assured that to rebuild the houses, the owners will get interest-free loan from the government.
It may be reminded that among those houses which were damaged by fire 8 houses had met with same fateful incident of fire few years back, and to those 8 house owners who had taken loan to rebuild their house the Chief Minister announced that government will initiate action to waive off the interest which they had taken to rebuilt their houses.
He also assured the gathering that the Government will immediately consider the proposal for setting up of fire station at Rhenock.
It may be mentioned here that Minister for Forest Env and WL Management Department who is also the area MLA Bhim Dhungel was monitoring the relief and rehabilitation since midnight while DC East reached the spot at 5 a.m. in the morning. The Sub Divisional Magistrate, Rongli and BDO Rhenock were in the spot since 1 am in the morning.
The public during the interaction with the Chief Minster appreciated the commendable job and prompt action taken by the SSB, Army, and Kalimpong and State fire service.
The Chief Secretary Mrs R Ongmu who is also the Chairman of the State Disaster Agency along with the Relief Commisioner KS Tobgay made a spot visit to Rhenock early in the morning to take stock of  the  situation arising out of the fire outbreak. The Chief Secretary made a detailed inspection and discussed details with the SDM of Rongli and Panchayat members and other officials. She also interacted with the victims and assured them of all help and aid in rehabilitation of the affected persons.
The Chief Secretary immediately directed the Relief Commissioner to immediately sanction funds for immediate relief.  Mrs Ongmo was appreciative of the Sikkim Fire Services, the SSB and Army. She also commended the youth and public of Rhenock who helped in the rescue operations. Bhim Dungel area MLA and Minister Forest Kalpana Moktan Upadhyasha East along with other senior officials and dignitaries also partook in the inspection.