High-Level Inter-Ministerial Team Conducts Extensive Assessment of Disaster-Affected District
Basukedaar (Uttarakhand):
A high-level Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) constituted by the Government of India conducted an extensive on-site and aerial inspection of disaster-affected areas in the district under Tehsil Basukedaar. The visit aimed to comprehensively assess the damage caused by recent natural calamities and review the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation work being carried out by the state government.
Briefing & Arrival
The team, led by Dr. R. Prasanna, Joint Secretary, Government of India, arrived at the Augustmuni helipad late Monday evening, where they were received by District Magistrate (DM) Prateek Jain. A detailed presentation on the extent of damage to lives, property, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods across the district was given at the District Office Auditorium.
Field & Aerial Survey
On Tuesday morning, the IMCT conducted ground inspections in Bareth village and surrounding areas. The team interacted with disaster-affected residents, local officials, and departmental representatives, gathering first-hand accounts of losses and immediate needs.
An aerial survey was also carried out covering severely affected sites including Chhainagad, Taljaman, Bagdatok, Jaula, Dungar Bhatwadi, and Syur Bangar, enabling the team to closely assess damage to roads, bridges, electricity and water supply networks, public buildings, agricultural fields, livestock, and other sources of livelihood.
Local Concerns & Demands
Residents informed the team about the destruction of houses, crops, and businesses, while also raising urgent demands including:
👉🏻 Construction of a permanent helipad,
👉🏻 Comprehensive geological surveys,
👉🏻 Rehabilitation and employment measures,
👉🏻 Enhanced health facilities,
👉🏻 Compensation and support for restoring livelihoods.
Villagers, however, appreciated the swift and coordinated response by the district administration, police, NDRF, SDRF, DDRF, and other agencies in conducting rescue, relief, and road restoration work. They acknowledged timely availability of ration, medical care, and temporary shelters during the crisis.
Government Response & Assurances
District Magistrate Prateek Jain assured villagers that the administration is committed to addressing key demands. He announced plans to develop a mini-stadium near Bareth for helicopter landings and confirmed that search and rescue operations to trace missing persons in Chhainagad were being expedited.
He also informed that the Chief Minister has increased compensation for completely damaged houses from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, with the distribution process already underway. On local demand, officials have been instructed to re-assess damage and conduct geological surveys in affected areas. Additionally, work to smoothen an alternative route from Busti to Taljaman is in progress.
A damage and rehabilitation proposal worth ₹1,850 crore has been placed before the committee to ensure adequate funding for reconstruction and long-term safety measures.
Central Team’s Commitment
Joint Secretary Dr. R. Prasanna emphasized that the team’s primary objective was to document the ground reality accurately so that a detailed report can be submitted to the Government of India. This report will form the basis for deciding necessary assistance, relief packages, and long-term reconstruction plans for the district.
“The inputs gathered through aerial surveys, ground inspections, and discussions with the administration and affected communities will guide concrete steps for rehabilitation and restoration of infrastructure, livelihoods, and future disaster preparedness,” Dr. Prasanna stated.
Team Composition
The visiting IMCT included:
Dr. R. Prasanna – Joint Secretary, Government of India (Team Lead)
Shailesh Kumar – Director, Finance
Pankaj Singh – Chief Engineer
Vikas Sachan – Deputy Director
Mohit Poonia – Chief Advisor, ULMMC
Senior district officials, including Superintendent of Police Akshay Pralad Konde, CDO Rajendra Singh Rawat, ADM Shyam Singh Rana, SDM Ukhimath Bhagat Singh Phonia, and other departmental heads, accompanied the team throughout the inspection.
