SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: A voluntary group working to save Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary from government's three linear projects, has slammed the government for announcing 'bare minimum' compensation for families who lost their houses in the recent flash flood.
In a press release, Save Mollem Group has questioned Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's wisdom for approving a small financial package towards loss of houses in the flood.
"How is @DrPramodPSawant expecting people who have lost their entire houses to the climate crisis, rebuild their lives with Rs 2.5 lakh? This is a surefire way to push impacted Goans into poverty and food insecurity," reads a tweet posted by the group.
"This payment is the bare minimum. How are flood-affected households expected to rebuild their lives with such meagre amounts? This will surely push the most vulnerable people of Goa, further into poverty."
Hundreds of people were evacuated from low-lying parts inundated due to heavy rains and overflowing of rivers as Goa was reeled under one of the worst floods in nearly 40 years. One woman had died and around 1,000 houses were damaged in the natural calamity.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said the floods had badly hit talukas of Sattari, Bicholim, Ponda, Dharbandora, Bardez and Pernem, while other areas also suffered damage.
In the just concluded Legislative Assembly Session, the CM announced dispersing Rs 1.5-2 lakh to families whose houses collapsed completely in the flood while those houses with major damages will be paid Rs 1 lakh and Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 for houses with minor damages. The relief package, he assured, will be released on priority.
The Aam Aadmi Party has also slammed CM for granting a small relief.
"While spending lakhs of rupees on welcoming JP Nadda and having lavish events in 5-star hotels on the taxpayers money, the BJP wants to issue a paltry amount of 2 lakhs to those who have completely lost their houses to the floods. How can anyone today rebuild their lives from scratch with such a tiny amount," the group further added.
