Shripad Naik: North Goa flood losses pegged at Rs 10 crore

Panaji: Union minister of state for defence Shripad Naik said on Saturday that preliminary losses from flooding in North Goa last week has been pegged at Rs 10 crore, and that he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to seek central assistance for flood-affected areas.

Naik, who transferred Rs 50 lakh from Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds to assist these areas, suggested that the state government form a delegation and meet the Union government to seek funds for flood relief.

Naik, who is North Goa MP , said that within eight days, a survey would be completed to assess the damage and loss due to flood, and accordingly, compensation would be paid.

“We will make sure that compensation is released as soon as possible,” he said.

Naik held a meeting with North Goa collector R Menaka, additional collector Vikas Gaunekar, deputy collectors and mamlatdars from North Goa to review the work done in the aftermath of the floods.

He said that if there is a Rs 100 crore loss, he would ask the Centre to provide Rs 100 crore for relief work.

“Teams have been constituted comprising officials of PWD and agriculture department to assess losses,” he said.

Last week, nearly 67% of Goa’s average August rainfall was received by the state within seven days. Nearly 300 farmers in villages faced severe losses and 250 had to be evacuated, the minister said, adding that nearly 100 houses were damaged and 3-4 have collapsed. Also, 77 people were rescued.

Naik also said that 600 people who were in relief centres have returned home.