Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed plans for financial aid to states such as Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim, which have endured losses from floods and other natural disasters.
She mentioned that Bihar, prone to frequent floods, would receive relief through the upcoming implementation of flood control structures in Nepal.
“Bihar has frequently suffered from floods, many of them originating outside the country. Plans to build flood control structures in Nepal are yet to progress. Our government through the accelerated irrigation benefit program and other sources will provide financial support for projects with estimated cost of Rs 11,500 crores such as the Kosi-Mechi intra-state link and 20 other ongoing and new schemes including barrages, river pollution abatement and irrigation projects,” Sitharaman stated.
“In addition, survey and investigation of Kosi related flood mitigation and Irrigation projects will be undertaken,” she added.
“Assam grapples with floods everywhere. By the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries originating outside India. We will provide assistance to Assam for flood management and related projects,” the Finance Minister stated.
The Finance Minister of Himachal Pradesh has given support for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
“Himachal Pradesh suffered extensive losses due to floods last year. Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance,” Sitharaman added.
She also vowed to send aid to Uttarakhand, which incurred losses owing to the cloud burst and catastrophic landslides.
“Recently, Sikkim witnessed devastating flash floods and landslides that wreaked havoc across the state. Our government will provide assistance to the state,” Sitharaman added.
During the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Finance Minister presented the first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government, marking her seventh consecutive budget presentation. The budget session, which commenced on July 22, is scheduled to conclude on August 12.
