Union Minister Nityanand Rai on Wednesday said that Cyclone ‘Biparjoy‘ has affected 1.33 lakh ha and is projecting a total economic loss of ₹ 1212.50 crore in agriculture and horticulture in Gujarat. The minister gave the information while giving a written reply to a question raised by Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil.
According to a memorandum received from the Gujarat state government, an area of 1.33 lakh ha was reportedly affected due to Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ and a total economic loss of ₹ 1212.50 crores in agriculture and horticulture crops of the country is expected. in the affected areas, Home Minister Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
MoS Home Rai said, “As per the National Disaster Management Policy, the primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the affected state governments. Financial assistance to the affected states is provided by the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to manage the relief demanded by natural calamities and in case of calamity of a serious nature additional financial assistance is provided by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) as per the laid down procedure which includes evaluation based on the visit of the Inter-Ministerial Central Team” .
“The allocation in the State SDRF is made for all notified calamities including cyclones and it is up to the respective State Government to provide the necessary assistance to the affected farmers from the SDRF already made available to them in accordance with the items approved by the Government of India and norms, due to the natural calamity . The information about the quantum of amount given to the farmers is not kept centrally by this ministry as implementation of relief measures on the ground is the responsibility of the concerned state government”, added Mr. Rai .
The Home Minister further said that the Central Government has released ₹1,140 crore to Gujarat from the SDRF as Central Share to help the cyclone-hit state.
“In order to support the affected people of the state government of Gujarat after cyclone ‘Biparjoy’, the central government of Gujarat has released ₹ 1,140 crore from SDRF as central share. for immediate relief operations,” said Nityanand Rai.
Further, Mr. Rai informed the Upper House that as on April 1, 2023, an amount of ₹ 1,159.60 crore is available in the SDRF account of the Government of Gujarat.
“As stated by the State Accountant General, an amount of ₹ 1,159.60 crore is available in the SDRF account of the Government of Gujarat as on April 1, 2023 for managing the relief required by notified natural calamities including cyclone in the affected areas. in 2023-24,” the home ministry said. Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ hit Gujarat on June 16.
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