Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reaches Flood-Hit Arunachal, Delays Aerial Survey Amid Bad Weather

ITANAGAR, July 1: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday but was unable to carry out the scheduled aerial survey due to inclement weather conditions. He is now set to undertake a comprehensive ground and aerial inspection of flood-affected regions in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam on July 1.

The Union Minister will spend the entire day assessing the situation in affected areas, interacting with farmers and families, reviewing the extent of damage, and identifying immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation measures. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu will accompany him during the visit.

Upon arrival in Itanagar, Chouhan met local residents and listened to their grievances. He assured them that despite weather disruptions, the government’s commitment to relief work remained unchanged. He emphasized that every affected family would receive assistance and that no effort would be spared in ensuring rehabilitation.

During a review meeting at the Itanagar Secretariat, the Minister discussed the flood situation with senior officials, focusing on relief distribution, rehabilitation efforts, and infrastructure damage. He reviewed the status of ongoing operations and stressed that concerns from the Northeast had reached the highest levels in New Delhi.

Chouhan said a detailed inspection of flood-hit regions would continue on July 1, including visits to relief camps and villages. He will assess damage to crops, livestock, homes, roads, bridges, and embankments. An aerial survey will also be conducted to evaluate large-scale destruction across both states.

Later in the day, he will chair a high-level review meeting in Guwahati with Assam government officials to examine flood management, repair work, financial assistance, and restoration plans. He also stressed the need for long-term strategies such as stronger embankments, improved drainage systems, better shelters, and enhanced crop insurance mechanisms to reduce future losses.

Speaking to the media, Chouhan described Arunachal Pradesh as a “beloved state” currently facing a severe natural disaster. He noted extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall and landslides, including destruction of roads, bridges, houses, and agricultural crops such as oranges, bananas, and paddy.

He reaffirmed that the Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, would extend full support for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. He added that coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments would ensure timely assistance and restoration of normal life.

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The Union Minister’s visit highlights the government’s focus on immediate relief and long-term flood resilience in the Northeast region.