Dehradun:
A month after the worst natural calamity in Uttarakhand, the state government on Tuesday started distributing compensation to the next of the kin of those killed in the devastating floods.
The families of 51 people from the state, who lost their lives in the tragedy, were given compensation cheques of Rs 5 lakh each at various district headquarters through the
district collectors, officials said.
Out of the Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3.5 lakh has been provided by the Centre and the rest by the state government.
Compensation will also be given to the next of kin of those missing, but if they are found, the families will have to return the relief money, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has said. An estimated 5,748 people are still missing.
The state administration is facing a number of challenging tasks like restoration of Kedarnath shrine, rebuilding of badly damaged road network, infrastructure and villages and ensuring proper rehabilitation of affected families.
The state government also plans to restart pilgrimage to Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri by September end.