Lucknow, 8 April (HS): Expressing deep

condolences over the damage caused to Rabi crops by untimely rains, hailstorms,

and incidents of arson at some places, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed

officials to take prompt, transparent, and sensitive action. In a high-level

review meeting held on Wednesday morning, the Chief Minister said that it is

natural for the farmers to be worried in this adverse situation, and the state

government stands with the farmers with full commitment.

Chief

Minister Yogi directed that immediate compensation be ensured by conducting an

accurate, fair, and timely assessment of the losses of each affected farmer and

sharecropper. He said that effective coordination should be established at the

district level between revenue, agriculture, and other related departments, and

a prompt survey should be conducted and the report should be sent to the

government, so that there is no delay in relief distribution.

He

directed the prompt settlement of crop insurance claims by actively

coordinating with insurance companies. He said that officials should personally

contact farmers and ensure they receive the benefits of insurance schemes, so

that maximum relief can be provided.

Directing

the Revenue Department, the Chief Minister said that adequate funds should be

immediately made available to each district from the State Disaster Relief

Fund. District Magistrates should ensure that affected farmers are provided

assistance promptly and transparently. Relief camps should be established

wherever necessary, and all possible assistance should be provided to farmers

through market committees.

Showing

special sensitivity to fire incidents, the Chief Minister directed that relief

funds be provided within 24 hours in the event of human and animal loss.

Furthermore, eligible beneficiaries should be promptly benefited under the

Farmer Accident Insurance Scheme. The Chief Minister also directed that

families whose homes were damaged or destroyed be provided housing under the

Chief Minister's Housing Scheme on a priority basis. The Chief Minister told

officials that any negligence in relief and rehabilitation work would be

unforgivable, and the relevant officials would be held accountable. The Chief

Minister stated that the state government stands with every farmer, farming

family, and sharecropper in this hour of disaster with complete sensitivity,

promptness, and commitment, and that providing them with all possible

assistance is the government's top priority.

It

is noteworthy that the weather has been bad in most parts of Uttar Pradesh

since Tuesday. Several districts have experienced heavy rain accompanied by

strong thunderstorms. Drizzle began in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh,

on Tuesday evening. Light rain continued throughout the night and into the

morning. The sky is overcast. The Meteorological Department has warned that

heavy rain may occur in many areas of Uttar Pradesh during the next 48 hours.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi