Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 17 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Tuesday said all houses destroyed in the Leh cloudburst would be rebuilt within the next two-and-a-half months.

Dr. Singh, who arrived in Leh on a day-long visit, also announced Rs 125 crore as relief from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the victims.

He further said many lives have been lost during the tragedy, which is irreparable, but the Central and Jammu and Kashmir governments will take all possible measures to help the bereaved families.

“A monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the state chief secretary will be constituted to ensure effective implementation of various schemes for the affected people,” he said.

“Before the onset of winter, I will again visit you and inspect the houses that will be constructed for you,” he added.

Dr. Singh also held a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and state officials to discuss relief and rehabilitation measures.

He was accompanied by Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Saifuddin Soz.

The Prime Minister had earlier announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs one lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

The 434-kilometer vital Srinagar-Leh road damaged by the recent flash floods and landslides triggered by cloudbursts has been restored after days of hectic work done by the engineers and men of the Army, Border Roads Organisation and allied agencies.

The total death toll rose to over 189, including 18 Nepali and Tibetan workers, three French, one Spanish and one Italian tourist. Around 500 people sustained injuries in the natural calamity. Five villages Sabu, Phyang, Nimoo, Choglumsar and Shapoo are worst hit by the sudden downpour and flash floods. Old Leh city is also among the worst affected. (ANI)