Yogi orders swift flood relief, Mandakini cleanup in Chitrakoot

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday reviewed relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-hit Chitrakoot district, following his visit to the area. He directed officials to ensure comprehensive assistance for affected families, including swift surveys of crop and property damage to facilitate rule-based compensation.

Emphasizing the need for prompt action, the Chief Minister ordered the completion of crop damage assessments at the earliest and instructed that families with fully destroyed homes be covered under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana. Financial aid for repairing partially damaged houses was also directed.

A significant portion of the review focused on the Mandakini River. The CM called for identifying and removing encroachments in its catchment area, preparing an action plan for ghat expansion, and ensuring that sewer or drain water is never discharged into the river. He tasked the Tourism, Irrigation, and Urban Development departments with creating a coordinated plan for this purpose. A safety audit of the foot over bridge over the river was also ordered.

The Chief Minister directed that damage to traders and religious sites in Chitrakoot Dham be assessed, with special arrangements for compensation and support. He stressed the need for a long-term plan to mitigate future losses from excessive rainfall and flooding.

Reviewing immediate relief, he ordered the distribution of remaining relief kits within 48 hours and demanded continuous presence of the administration in affected areas. Health teams were instructed to maintain vigilance to prevent post-flood disease outbreaks, focusing on cleanliness, safe drinking water, and medical availability.

Additionally, the CM reviewed the road construction from Chitrakoot Dham to the airport, demanding its completion before Vijayadashami. He also directed inspections of gaushalas for livestock safety and fodder, along with measures to prevent Lumpy Skin Disease.