Itanagar, Jul 1: Chief Minister Pema Khandu, along with Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, for the second day on Wednesday undertook extensive visits and aerial surveys of flood-affected areas across Arunachal Pradesh, assuring affected communities of all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and long-term protection from future disasters.
After landing at Pasighat, the Chief Minister and the two Union Ministers proceeded to Boying village, one of the areas severely impacted by flooding caused by the Sibo Korong river. Khandu described the damage as extensive and said the government would work towards a permanent flood protection solution to safeguard lives, property and livelihoods.
The leaders also conducted aerial surveys of flood-hit regions to assess the scale of destruction and review the ongoing response measures.
In flood-ravaged Possa in Keyi Panyor district, they visited the NEEPCO Colony and a relief camp sheltering affected families. Expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones and concern for those still awaiting news of missing relatives, Khandu said the government stood firmly with every affected family.
“The scale of devastation at the NEEPCO Colony is heartbreaking. We assessed the damage both from the air and on the ground. Our commitment is to restore normalcy, rebuild lives and strengthen resilience against future disasters,” he said.
The Chief Minister also interacted with affected residents at Boying village and reiterated that the safety and well-being of the people remain the government’s highest priority amid the ongoing monsoon crisis.
Chairing a review meeting with legislators, deputy commissioners, officials of the Disaster Management Department and senior officers on Tuesday, the Chief Minister directed all deputy commissioners to remain on the ground, conduct prompt damage assessments, restore disrupted connectivity, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, and expedite rescue, relief, recovery and restoration operations.
The meeting assessed the extent of damage in affected districts, reviewed ongoing response measures and identified immediate priorities to ensure timely assistance reaches all affected communities.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the resilience of the people despite the widespread devastation caused by the floods. He noted that homes had been damaged and crops washed away, yet the spirit of the affected communities remained unbroken.
During his visit to Boying village, he joined local residents, including children and youth, in constructing a protection wall aimed at preventing future flooding. He described community participation as a vital pillar of recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
“While the government is fully committed to relief and rehabilitation work, society’s participation is our greatest strength. When people come together and support one another, hope returns and life begins to smile again,” he said.
Chouhan also conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Keyi Panyor district and said that both the Central and State governments remained fully committed to assisting affected people through relief, restoration and rehabilitation initiatives.
Rijiju, who reviewed the flood situation in Pasighat along with senior officials and public representatives, said the Central Government was closely monitoring the situation and would continue working with the State Government to ensure timely relief and recovery measures.
He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre stands firmly with the people affected by the floods and remains committed to supporting restoration and rehabilitation efforts across the state.