Tripura Government Claims Adequate Relief Amid Mounting Criticism
Facing sharp criticism from opposition parties over the handling of flood relief, the Tripura government on Wednesday defended its efforts, asserting that adequate measures had been taken to assist flood-affected families. At least 36 people lost their lives during the recent floods, which wreaked havoc across the northeastern state.
Chief Minister Manik Saha convened a review meeting on Wednesday, directing senior officials to expedite post-flood relief and rehabilitation measures. In response to accusations from opposition leaders, the government reiterated its commitment to providing timely and effective support to those impacted by the disaster.
Compensation for Flood Victims: Government’s Financial Assistance
Tripura’s Secretary for Relief, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management, Brijesh Pandey, stated that financial compensation has already been distributed to families who lost loved ones in the floods. A total of Rs 4 lakh has been disbursed in 26 out of the 36 reported deaths. Additionally, partial compensation has been provided in seven other cases, with efforts underway to complete the remaining payments. According to official data, 23 of the 36 fatalities were caused by landslides triggered by heavy rainfall.
The state government has also disbursed a total of Rs 104.85 lakh as ex-gratia payments to the families of the victims. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure the affected families receive the support they need during this difficult time,” said Pandey, refuting claims of inaction or inadequacy.
Thousands Remain in Relief Camps as Housing Damage Soars
In the aftermath of the floods, over 3,873 people remain housed in 67 relief camps across various districts in Tripura. According to government data, more than 62,200 homes have been damaged due to the devastating floods that occurred between August 19 and 24. To address the housing crisis, interim relief has already been provided to families whose homes were partially or completely destroyed. A total of Rs 11.92 crore has been distributed as assistance for 10,483 damaged houses.
In an effort to further aid the flood-affected population, the Tripura government has announced the distribution of free rations as part of the Chief Minister’s Relief Package. Each ration cardholder will receive 10 kilograms of free ration per month for two months. This measure is aimed at alleviating the burden on those struggling to rebuild their lives in the wake of the disaster.
Chief Minister Announces Special Flood Relief Package
Earlier, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced a special Rs 564 crore relief package aimed at addressing the damage caused by floods and landslides throughout the state. The package includes provisions for rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring damaged homes, and providing immediate relief to affected families.
The Chief Minister’s Relief Package was introduced as an urgent measure to accelerate recovery efforts in flood-hit areas. However, opposition parties have labeled the package “illegal,” claiming it was not discussed in the state Cabinet, thereby bypassing the democratic process.
Opposition Alleges Inadequate and ‘Illegal’ Relief
Despite the government’s defense of its relief efforts, opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) and the Congress, have launched scathing attacks on the state government. Former Chief Minister and CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar accused the government of failing to deliver adequate relief to the flood-affected population. “Many flood victims have yet to receive any form of financial assistance from the government,” Sarkar said, criticizing the administration’s handling of the disaster response.
The CPI-M and its allied organizations have been pushing for the floods in Tripura to be declared a “National Disaster,” arguing that the scale of the devastation warrants such recognition. Sarkar also called for greater transparency in the disbursement of relief funds, alleging that the government’s efforts have been insufficient to meet the needs of the people.
Congress Criticizes Central Government’s Support
In addition to state-level criticism, Congress leaders have voiced concerns over the financial support provided by the Central government. Congress working committee member and former minister Sudip Roy Barman claimed that the Central government had released only Rs 40 crore to Tripura, which he described as an advance from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) rather than genuine financial assistance.
Roy Barman further criticized the Tripura Chief Minister’s announcement of the Rs 564 crore special package, alleging that it focused solely on infrastructure restoration while ignoring individual losses of lives and properties. “The Chief Minister is bypassing the Council of Ministers and making unilateral decisions about relief efforts, which is both illegal and unfair to the people of Tripura,” Barman said.
Central Team Assesses Flood Damage
A six-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) recently concluded a four-day visit to Tripura’s worst-hit districts, including Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, and South Tripura. The team conducted an extensive assessment of the flood damage and losses, with their findings expected to inform further relief measures and resource allocation.
The IMCT’s report will likely play a crucial role in determining whether additional central funds will be released to assist Tripura in its post-flood recovery. However, opposition parties have raised concerns that the state’s urgent needs may not be fully addressed if the Central government does not increase its financial support.
Calls for National Disaster Status Intensify
With thousands of people still displaced and vast areas of the state left in ruin, the demand for Tripura’s floods to be recognized as a National Disaster continues to grow. CPI-M leaders and various civil society organizations are urging the Central government to take immediate action to declare the floods a National Disaster, which would unlock a greater share of financial resources for recovery efforts.
The road to recovery for Tripura remains challenging, with both the state and central governments under mounting pressure to deliver timely and adequate relief. As the state government continues its relief and rehabilitation efforts, the eyes of the nation are on Tripura, hoping that the situation will improve and that the people will receive the support they desperately need.
While the Tripura government maintains that it is providing adequate relief to flood-affected families, criticism from opposition parties and ongoing challenges in post-flood recovery indicate that more needs to be done. The demand for increased financial support and the declaration of Tripura’s floods as a National Disaster will likely shape the state’s future relief efforts, as thousands continue to wait for assistance.
