Shillong July 19:  Meghalaya ministers will contribute to the chief minister’s relief fund to help people affected by flood in the state.
This was decided by the State Cabinet during its meeting on Friday.
After the cabinet meeting, Home Minister, James K. Sangma informed that the Cabinet had discussed current flood situation in the state and the need to take extend help the affected people.
He said that all ministers would contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and would like to reach out to all citizens of the state.
“This is not just for the present flood situation in our state but also keeping in view some natural disasters. Whatever amount it may be, big or small, we would like to appeal to the citizen of our state and rest of the country to donate generously to the chief minister’s relief fund,†Sangma said, adding that the Cabinet left it to the ministers to donate whatever amount it may be.
Sangma also said that the appeal was in general to all citizens including MLAs and those appointed in various boards and corporations.
The Meghalaya government is also seeking Central assistance and Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma had met the Union home minister and other Central ministers.
“We are seeking Central assistance as we have been affected by the worst flood situation ever and we hope that the Centre will extend its support,†the home minister said.
According to the Minister, over one lakh people have been affected by flood.
Not only Garo Hills, some areas in Khasi Hills especially paddy fields have been affected by flash floods last week due to heavy rain.
On the main reasons that led to flash floods especially in Shillong city whenever heavy rain hit, Sangma said that he did not have the details, but there have been heavy showers across the state.
“There are many reasons and we will be assessing all those. In the plain areas of Garo Hills, the water of Brahmaputra river from Assam is flowing back. Some rivers in Khasi Hills have risen and embankments have been eroded causing a lot of loss to property,†he said
On poor drainage system in Shillong city that caused inundation of many areas during heavy downpour, Sangma said, that the government would look into this and examine the matter whether it was because of the drainage system or other reasons. “We will be going in depth into the reasons,†he said.
Sangma also informed that detail assessment would be done later, and right now, the government was focusing on the relief operations.
