Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured the flood-affected victims of Barabanki and Gonda districts that the state government was with the people at times of disaster and was providing assistance and relief of all kinds.

The chief minister visited the flood-affected areas of Barabanki and Gonda on Wednesday. While conducting aerial and ground surveys of the flood-affected areas and reviewing relief and rescue operations, the chief minister said, “Those who are living on embankments and in inland areas, if they wish to relocate to safer areas, arrangements will be made. If everyone is willing, the government will establish well-planned colonies for them.”

He met the flood victims and distributed relief materials. He pointed out that for the areas where erosion is taking place, the Irrigation department has been instructed to ensure immediate and comprehensive arrangements.

The chief minister said that the government had already made preparations in anticipation of the floods, and directions were issued to local representatives, in-charge ministers, and officials to take necessary measures. He said that around 721 villages in 21 districts of the state were currently affected by floods.

The chief minister instructed officials to ensure that a permanent solution for the floods was found in the coming days.

The chief minister said, “The state government is taking action to provide timely compensation to farmers whose crops have been in the floods by conducting a survey to assess the extent of the damage.”

The chief minister inspected the camps in flood-affected Lalpur Karauta village in Suratganj block of Ramnagar tehsil in Barabanki and distributed relief material. During this visit, he engaged in discussions with the flood-affected people to understand the situation.

Chief Minister Yogi said that those whose houses had been damaged due to floods would be provided one house each under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, and compensation would also be provided for partially damaged houses.

Yogi explained that comprehensive arrangements have been made by the government for all affected individuals. This includes providing wheat, rice, potatoes, lentils, oil, spices, soap, matchsticks, dignity kits for women, and monsoon essentials.

“This relief material will be made available every 15 days during the floods,” he said.

The chief minister said that instructions had been given to provide assistance of Rs 4 lakh within 24 hours in case of any loss of life.

During the inspection in Barabanki, besides MP Upendra Singh Rawat, MLAs, MLCs, district panchayat members, and BJP office-bearers were also present.

Chief Minister Yogi reached Gonda district and visited the flood-affected people in Palhapur village of Colonelganj. During the visit, he surveyed the flood-affected areas and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations.

While distributing relief materials, Chief Minister Yogi said that the government was with the people in times of crisis. He assured the people of the government's support on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, emphasising that he himself had come among them to ensure their safety.

The chief minister said that eight battalions of National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary’s flood units had been deployed in flood-affected areas. He said that 23 villages in Gonda were affected by floods this year. He said that while most of the villages had been relieved of waterlogging, water was still accumulated in some areas.

Furthermore, the chief minister said, “The government is committed to providing relief and assistance to all without any discrimination. The double-engine government stands with the people during emergencies.”

Apart from former minister Ramapati Shastri, MLAs and the zila panchayat chairperson were present during this occasion.

Meanwhile, the chief minister also performed puja and offered prayers at the Lodheshwar Mahadev temple in Barabanki and wished for the prosperity and well-being of the state. During his visit to Barabanki, the chief minister mentioned in his speech that he was not able to visit Baba Lodheshwar Nath during the month of Sawan this time but his blessings were such that he himself called him here.

“Although my schedule was supposed to be somewhere else, suddenly this morning the programme changed, and I came here,” he said.