Gangtok: After meeting September 18 Sikkim Earthquake victims at Nandok in East Sikkim on Tuesday, state’s Chief Minister Pawan Chamling expressed satisfaction over the relief measures being undertaken by the various agencies of the state and the central government. He said that the state administration has efficiently handled the situation and added that it will take about one month time for the state to come to normalcy.

Earlier the CM toured the earthquake affected village of Nandok and distributed the ex-gratia payments to affected families. The CM also distributed Indira Awas Yojana forms to those families whose houses were completely damaged by the earthquake and have been rendered homeless.

The Chief Minister also visited Nandok Sec. School which has been extensively damaged by earthquake. At Nandok the Chief Minister assured the people of every necessary assistance from the government to come out from this tragic incident.

Mamata on a harmony visit to Sikkim

Miss Banerjee came to Sikkim to to take stock of the situation in the wake of the devastating earthquake. She visited various affected areas in and around Gangtok. Banerjee interacted with people and visited two hospitals, including the central referral hospital where many quake victims have been admitted. She enquired about their health, talked to attending doctors and nurses, asked about medical requirements and assured them that West Bengal would provide necessary help for their treatment. Chamling thanked Banerjee for her visit to the state during the hour of crisis.

Banerjee has been in Darjeeling district since Monday to survey the extent of damage. Darjeeling, Kurseong, Jalpaiguri have been also badly affected due to the earthquake. By reaching over to Sikkim, Mamata became the first chief minister of Bengal to cross the Teesta and enter Sikkim. Her visit is also being seen as an emotional symbolic bridge for handling issues emerging out of the Darjeeling hills.

Earlier the duo held a meeting for almost 20 minutes at NHPC Guest House, 5th Mile. Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting both the Chief Ministers said that Sikkim and West Bengal are brothers and sisters and will work in tandem and cooperation to combat this situation. Miss Banerjee promised all help to the state to tide over the crisis.

(With IPR and PTI inputs)

 

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