How is Gujarat Supporting Flood-Hit Punjab and Chhattisgarh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat has dispatched a special relief train to aid flood-hit regions.
- Over 400 tonnes of food grains and medical supplies are being sent.
- Financial assistance of Rs 5 crore each for Punjab and Chhattisgarh has been allocated.
- 8,000 relief kits are being provided for affected families.
- The operation is a testament to Gujarat's humanitarian commitment.
Gandhinagar, Sep 11 (NationPress) Gujarat has stepped forward to assist the flood-impacted regions of Punjab and Chhattisgarh by sending a specialized relief train loaded with food, medicines, and other vital supplies. Additionally, financial support has been allocated for both states.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the train's journey from the Gandhinagar railway station, emphasizing Gujarat's commitment to aiding those in crisis beyond its own borders.
This train, which consists of 22 wagons, transported over 400 tonnes of food grains such as flour, rice, onions, potatoes, edible oil, sugar, and milk powder. Furthermore, 70 tonnes of medicinal supplies, 10,000 tarpaulins, 10,000 mosquito nets, and 10,000 bedsheets were dispatched to meet the urgent requirements of flood survivors in Punjab.
The operation was managed through the Relief Commissioner's office with collaboration from the departments of Food and Civil Supplies, Agriculture, and Health.
Along with the material assistance, Gujarat has also issued cheques totaling Rs 5 crore each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to Punjab and Chhattisgarh to support flood relief initiatives.
Moreover, around 8,000 relief kits, containing daily necessities, were included for families affected in Chhattisgarh.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister Rushikesh Patel remarked that this action highlights the Chief Minister's dedication to bolster Gujarat's humanitarian principles during natural disasters. "Every necessity, from food to clothing, has been thoughtfully included in this relief package," he stated.
Alongside the Chief Minister, State Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Gandhinagar Mayor Meenaben Patel, MLA Rita Patel, and senior officials from the state and railway sectors were present at the flag-off ceremony.
CM Patel is also set to evaluate relief efforts in the rain-affected Banaskantha district shortly.
In related news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared a financial aid of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already allocated to the state.
This will include an early release of the second installment of the State Disaster Relief Fund and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to aid the entire region and its residents in recovery. This entails initiatives such as rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and distributing mini kits for livestock.