Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday, 1 July assured comprehensive Central assistance for flood-hit Arunachal Pradesh, committing to new houses for families whose homes were washed away and compensation for losses to crops, agricultural land, and livestock. The pledge followed physical and aerial surveys of the worst-affected zones, including Kayi Panyor district, conducted by Chouhan alongside Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Survey and Ground Assessment

The ministerial delegation travelled by road through flood-affected areas to undertake a first-hand assessment and interact directly with residents. A detailed review of the situation was also conducted in Pasighat, in the presence of state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Kaling Moyong and senior officials. Chouhan noted that roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, and communication networks had been severely damaged at several locations, and that crop destruction and livestock losses had also been reported.

What the Centre Has Promised

Immediate relief in the form of food grains and essential supplies is already being provided to affected families, according to Chouhan. The response is being carried out on two tracks: first, ensuring immediate relief through food, medicines, and drinking water; and second, undertaking a detailed damage assessment to formulate a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation plan. Chouhan confirmed that Chief Minister Khandu had submitted a preliminary report, with a detailed assessment to follow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah would be fully briefed on the situation, he added.

PM Modi's Directive and High-Level Review

Chouhan stated that Prime Minister Modi was personally concerned about the situation and had directed that every possible assistance be extended to those affected. Following the field surveys, Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting in Itanagar late on Tuesday night with Chief Minister Khandu, Union Minister Rijiju, and senior officials. The meeting issued directions to expedite damage assessment, ensure prompt assistance reached every affected family, and accelerate rehabilitation measures. Chouhan stressed that there should be no laxity at any level in relief operations.

Community Spirit Draws Praise

During the visit, Chouhan joined villagers in repairing a flood-damaged road and constructing a protection wall to prevent river water from re-entering a village. He described the initiative as 'deeply inspiring', noting that local communities had not waited for government intervention but had voluntarily come forward to address the crisis — including building a protection wall without waiting for formal approvals or administrative estimates. 'When society remains aware, united and proactive, many significant challenges can be overcome through collective effort,' he said.

What Comes Next

A detailed damage assessment report is to be submitted to the Central Government upon completion. Chouhan expressed confidence that the joint efforts of the Centre and the state would restore normalcy at the earliest, while also working on scientific and long-term solutions to better manage such natural disasters in the future. Both the Central and state governments are expected to continue coordinating closely on relief and rehabilitation in the coming weeks.