The Central Government has assured comprehensive support to Arunachal Pradesh as Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted an extensive aerial and ground assessment of flood-hit regions across the state. Accompanied by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Chouhan reviewed the scale of destruction, interacted with affected families, and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to relief, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery.
The minister’s visit came in the wake of severe flooding triggered by relentless rainfall, which has caused widespread damage to homes, agricultural land, roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure, and communication networks in several districts. During the inspection, Chouhan surveyed flood-affected areas, including Keyi Panyor district, from the air before travelling by road to villages where he met residents facing the aftermath of the disaster.
Addressing flood victims, Chouhan said both the Central and State Governments were standing firmly with the people of Arunachal Pradesh during this difficult period under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He assured affected families that every possible measure would be taken to provide immediate relief and ensure a swift rehabilitation process.
Speaking to villagers, particularly women who had lost their homes and livelihoods, the Union Minister stressed that no family would be left to face the crisis alone. He said the government would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage and provide assistance based on the findings. Families whose houses had been washed away would receive support for the construction of new homes, while losses to crops, agricultural land, and livestock would also be evaluated for compensation.
Chouhan noted that emergency relief measures, including the distribution of food grains and essential supplies, were already underway. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally monitoring the situation and had directed authorities to extend all necessary assistance to the affected population. According to the minister, close coordination between the Centre and the State Government is ensuring that relief operations continue without interruption.
During his visit, Chouhan also praised the resilience and determination shown by local communities. He joined villagers in repairing a flood-damaged road and helping construct a protective embankment designed to prevent river water from re-entering the village. Describing the initiative as an inspiring example of community participation, he said residents had acted collectively without waiting for official approvals or administrative procedures.
The minister observed that such proactive efforts reflected the strength of social unity during times of crisis. While the government remained committed to fulfilling its responsibilities, he said community participation could significantly strengthen disaster response and recovery efforts.
Earlier in the day, Chouhan called on Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) K.T. Parnaik at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, where they reviewed the ongoing relief operations and discussed measures to accelerate rehabilitation. Expressing confidence in the combined efforts of government agencies and local communities, the minister said the state would overcome the present challenges and return to normalcy.
Following the field visit, Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting in Itanagar with Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and senior government officials. The meeting examined the progress of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation work while issuing directions to expedite damage assessment and ensure that assistance reaches every affected family without delay.
The Union Minister instructed officials to maintain close coordination between the Central and State Governments and emphasised that there should be no complacency in relief operations. He underlined the need to restore essential services and normal life as quickly as possible while preparing a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.
Later, speaking to the media, Chouhan said the visit had been undertaken on the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the flood situation firsthand and strengthen the Centre’s response. He described the flood damage as extensive, affecting public infrastructure, farmlands, homes, and livestock across several areas. However, he commended the Arunachal Pradesh Government for its prompt rescue and relief efforts, which helped minimise the loss of lives.
The minister explained that the response strategy is focused on two priorities: providing immediate humanitarian assistance through food, medicines, drinking water, and other essential services, while simultaneously conducting a detailed assessment to prepare a long-term rehabilitation and disaster management plan.
He said the State Government had already submitted a preliminary report, while a detailed damage assessment would soon be forwarded to the Central Government. Assuring continued assistance from New Delhi, Chouhan said the Centre would work closely with the state to restore normalcy and develop scientific, long-term solutions to reduce the impact of similar natural disasters in the future.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
