The Anti Corruption and Human Development Organization (ACHDO) has sought an increase in the amount of Gratuitous Relief (GR) to be provided to people while also asking for the deployment of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) in areas of West Garo Hills in Meghalaya which have been severely affected by floods.
In an appeal to the state government of Meghalaya, the Phulbari unit of the organisation stated that the situation on the ground is pathetic and people have no place to sleep.
“They are unable to move as there is no way to commute from their flooded houses. Even their livestock is in danger of dying due to hunger. We moved through the flood areas and were distraught at their suffering,” said the president of the ACHDO-Phulbari, Rasel Choudhary.
The ACHDO felt that 7 days of GR would not suffice and that the government needs to increase the relief amounts to ensure people don’t die of hunger while trying to fend for themselves.
“There is also an urgent need to deploy NDRF personnel to the affected areas as water levels have continued to increase and there will be a need to rescue people stuck in the rising waters,” felt Rasel.
The entire plain belt of Garo Hills has been affected by the rising waters from the backflow of the Brahmaputra River and its tributary, Jinjiram. Till the last report from the administration, more than 1.5 lakh people have been affected from the three blocks of Tikrikilla, Demdema and Selsella.
Meanwhile, leader of the Opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma is expected to visit the flood affected areas of Mahendraganj in South West Garo Hills and will also make another tour of the West Garo Hills region to get a first-hand account of the situation.
