Agriculture and Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday said that the catastrophic flood in Tripura, which was ravaged extensively by the monsoon deluge for the first time in over three decades killed at least 26 people, damaged crops and electrical properties worth over Rs 707.41 crore as per preliminary assessments.
The minister said that due to the floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains since August 19, various standing crops have been damaged in 68,826 hectares of crop land valued at Rs 531.25 crore affecting 1,41,406 farmers.
He said that horticultural crops in 5,614 hectares of land worth Rs 167.14 crore have been damaged affecting over 27,000 farmers.
The Minister said that the power department suffered a loss of huge assets worth Rs 9.2 crore as 1,603 electrical poles collapsed, 501 big transformers and many other properties and machinery were damaged affecting 3,19,773 electricity consumers across the state.
“All the losses are estimated based on preliminary assessments. After the flood water completely recedes then the final field assessment of damages and losses would be calculated,” the Agriculture and Power minister told the media.
Nath said that after 1952, 1983 and 1993, Tripura witnessed such catastrophic rains, floods and landslides for the first time.
According to Disaster Management Department officials, over 1,055 houses were damaged either fully or partially and hundreds of trees were uprooted, blocking many important highways.
Landslides occurred in 2,032 places across the state and the debris has been cleared.
A Revenue Department official said: “Preliminary reports suggest extensive damage to physical infrastructure including roads, bridges, electricity, buildings and houses. The actual amount of damages would be known only after the field visit and assessments were completed.”
He added that according to preliminary estimates, properties valued at approximately Rs 5,000 crore have been damaged, though many areas are yet to be visited for preliminary assessments.
Talks with farmers end on positive note; next meeting on March 19
The second round of meeting between a three-member Central government delegation, led by Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and protesting farmer unions ended here after three hours on Saturday night with a positive approach and cordial manner.
Assam Rifles seize gold valued at Rs 1.02cr, two youths held
In a significant crackdown on smuggling activities, Assam Rifles in collaboration with Customs officials on Saturday seized gold worth Rs 1.02 crore and arrested two persons in Tripura, officials said.
Over 60 crore pilgrims visit Maha Kumbh till Feb 22
Around 60 crore pilgrims have so far visited the Prayagraj to take the holy dip at Triveni Sangam while over 1.1 crore pilgrims took the dip on Saturday.
Trump administration’s information on USAID is ‘concerning’: EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday that the information given by the administration of US President Donald Trump regarding USAID is ‘concerning’
Former Tripura CM prefers ‘Namaste’ over ‘Red Salute’ in paying homage to late leaders
The 27th state conference of the party is especially crucial considering that from the event the new leadership in the form of the new state committee will be selected that will lead the party for the crucial state Assembly elections in 2026.
PM Modi to lay foundation stone of cancer hospital in MP tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform 'bhumi-pujan' of the Medical Science & Research Institute in the Chhatapur district of Madhya Pradesh on February 23.
Cooperative banks need to adopt new technologies for progress: Amit Shah
He said that the cooperative sector has taken major initiatives to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two resolutions comprising a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and to make the country’s economy $5 trillion by 2027.
Amit Shah distributes sanction letters to 20 lakh beneficiaries of PMAY
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that by providing homes and toilets, Prime Minister Modi has safeguarded the dignity and self-respect of the poor.