The Central Government has approved a cash package of Rs 555.70 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in a major step to help Sikkim recover from the Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) that hit the Teesta River valley in October 2023. A High-Level Committee (HLC) led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah made this decision during a meeting that included important figures like the Agriculture Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. The allocated monies will support various recovery initiatives, including preparedness, rehabilitation, and capacity-building initiatives in Sikkim’s flood-affected areas.
Reconstruction and recovery from the extensive damage caused by the floods will need the state to use the funds. Throughout the current fiscal year, the Central Government has given other states significant disaster relief funding in addition to the specific allocation for Sikkim. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) has given 28 states ₹19,074.80 crore, the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) has given 16 states ₹3,229.35 crore, and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) has given 19 states ₹5,160.76 crore. The Central Government is committed to improving disaster management and mitigation plans across the country and making sure that states hit by natural disasters receive timely financial assistance.
