Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the number of districts affected by floods

cm

Varanasi: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the number of districts affected by floods in the state has come down from 45 a decade ago to 14 at present, where only limited waterlogging has been reported. “Ten years ago, 40 to 45 districts were affected by floods during this season. Today, it is satisfying that there are only 14 districts where some water has arrived,” he said after conducting an aerial survey of flood-affected areas along the Ganga and Varuna rivers. He said 567 families across 16 wards have been affected, with 48 boats deployed for relief and rescue operations, while crops belonging to 1,131 farmers have been damaged and compensation would be provided.

Yogi said waterlogging in low-lying areas occurs due to the backflow of the Varuna river. He noted that earlier, 40 to 45 districts in UP were affected during the rainy season, but due to sustained work over the past nine-and-a-half years, only 14 districts are currently facing a minor impact.

He also said diseases such as encephalitis, which once severely affected children, have now been brought under control.

He said relief kits being provided at the disaster relief camp include 26 essential items, such as milk and fruits for children, grains, buckets, mugs, biscuits, salt, towels and oil.

He said the district administration and party workers were carrying out relief operations on a war footing. He added that Kashi is emerging in a new form as “New Kashi”, with projects such as Kashi Vishwanath Dham, developed ghats, upgraded railway and bus stations, airport development, road widening and the ring road enhancing the city’s dignity. Labour and employment minister Anil Rajbhar welcomed the CM and said that whenever people are affected by floods, relief camps are set up immediately under his direction. He said the government stands at the doorstep of the people during natural disasters.

He added that funds for the relief measures had been provided by the Prime Minister.