New Delhi:
Pre-fabricated house structures will be put in place at 19 locations in Uttarakhand before October 30 to rehabilitate those displaced in the catastrophic June flash floods, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna has said.
"We have identified 19 locations in Uttarakhand where pre-fabricated structures will be put in place to rehabilitate those who were displaced due to the catastrophic floods.
"Around 70 to 100 families can be rehabilitated in one village which will have all the basic facilities including school, hospital and a community centre," Mr Bahuguna told PTI in an interview.
"The life span of these houses is estimated to be more than 35 years. We have floated tenders in this regard and the deadline has been set for October 30. The state government is giving Rs 3000 rent per month to them as of now," he said.
Mr Bahugua also said that he hopes to bring the state's tourism-based economy back on track before next summer.
"Uttarakhand's economy is based on tourism and we are working hard to bring that back on track. We are working round the clock and hope that things will get normal before the next summer though weather will play a major role in this," the chief minister said.
On being asked if the state was facing any financial crisis, Mr Bahuguna said it was getting enough support from the Centre but added that he was willing to accept other states' contribution for the renovation work in Kedarnath.
"We are getting enough financial assistance from the Centre. As far as renovation of Kedarnath temple is concerned, it will be done primarily by the Uttarakhand government but we are open to accept assistance from other states.
"We will make the budget and design public and will ask for public's comment on it. If any other state wants to help us, they can," he said.