New Delhi (NVI): The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba today met for the fourth time, to review the progress of relief and restoration work in the areas of West Bengal affected by cyclone Amphan.
The committee is continuously involved in the coordination efforts and restoration measures in the affected areas of Bengal, the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
A sum of Rs 1,000 crores has already been released to the state government, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his aerial survey and review of relief efforts with the West Bengal government, the ministry in a statement said.
Chief Secretary of West Bengal has thanked the Centre for the support provided for relief and restoration. Restoration of Power and Telecommunication infrastructure was stated to be a priority in the Cyclone affected areas of the State.
While Telecom connectivity has been restored in most areas, damages to the local power distribution network has affected the restoration of complete supply in some areas, MHA said. Central agencies are deployed in these efforts along with teams from neighbouring states, it added.
Meanwhile, Army has been deployed in Kolkata, to help in carrying out road clearances along with teams of NDRF and SDRF.
Noting the progress made in restoration work, the Cabinet Secretary advised that complete power connectivity, telecom service and drinking water supplies need to be restored on priority basis.
The Central agencies are ready to provide any further assistance that may be required by the State. Adequate stocks of food grains have also been kept ready for supply based on the demand from the State, MHA said.
Ministry of Home Affairs will also be sending a Central team soon to assess the damages.
The Cabinet Secretary also suggested that West Bengal Government may indicate their additional requirements if any and directed officers of Central Ministries/Agencies to work in close coordination with State Government to provide all required assistance expeditiously.
Chief Secretary of West Bengal participated in the NCMC Meeting through Video Conference. Senior Officers from Ministries of Home Affairs, Power, Telecommunications, Food & Public Distribution, Health, Drinking Water & Sanitation, HQ IDS, NDMA and NDRFalso attended the meeting.
