New Delhi, October 10: Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) visited landslide-affected Rimbi village under the 01-Yuksam-Tashiding Assembly Constituency of Gyalshing district on Thursday to assess the situation, interact with affected families and review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.
A massive landslide struck Rimbi village under the Yuksam-Tashiding Constituency in Gyalshing district on 24 September. The disaster rendered families homeless and raised concerns over their safety and rehabilitation. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.
During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the landslide site and the under-construction rehabilitation centre before proceeding to the relief camp, where he interacted with affected families, listened to their concerns and assessed their immediate needs. He expressed relief that no lives had been lost in the disaster, while acknowledging the extensive damage to houses, land and properties, which has severely disrupted the lives and livelihoods of the affected residents.
The Chief Minister assured the residents that the State Government would extend all possible support to help them rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods.
As part of the immediate relief measures, financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) was announced and distributed to affected families in accordance with the prescribed norms and the extent of damage sustained. The assistance includes Rs. 5 lakh each for families whose houses have been completely damaged, Rs. 2 lakh each for those whose kitchens have been completely damaged, Rs. 1 lakh each for other affected individuals and Rs. 50,000 each for tenants affected by the disaster.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ensuring safe and secure housing for the affected families, the Chief Minister informed that houses would be provided to eligible families who had lost their homes under the State Government’s Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana (SGAY). House allotment orders were handed over to the beneficiaries during the visit, with arrangements to be made for the construction of houses for those who had lost their homes.
He further assured that land would be allotted to families who had lost their land. Suitable land with additional space would also be considered to enable families to maintain kitchen gardens and rear livestock, thereby supporting their long-term livelihood requirements.
Emphasising the need for a coordinated and time-bound response, the Chief Minister directed all concerned departments to expedite essential works and ensure the timely restoration of services in the affected area. He instructed the line departments to work in close coordination with the District Administration to address the challenges arising from the landslide and ensure that the needs of the affected families were met without delay.
The Chief Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to government officials, NGOs, individuals, members of various political parties and other organisations who had extended assistance to the affected residents. He appreciated their collective efforts and solidarity during the difficult period, noting that such cooperation reflected the spirit of humanity and community support.
He reiterated that the safety, dignity and well-being of the people remained the Government’s foremost priority and assured the affected families that assistance would continue wherever required to facilitate their rehabilitation.
The visit reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing timely relief, ensuring safe housing, and supporting the comprehensive rehabilitation of families affected by the landslide in Rimbi.