Centre puts Uttarakhand toll at 6,054

The government on Tuesday informed Parliament that over 6,000 persons, including 5,474 missing ones, are feared to have died in one of the worst-ever flash floods that wreaked havoc in the hilly state of Uttarakhand in June.

Among the 6,054 persons, 5,474 are presumed dead as they are still missing, while  580 are confirmed to have lost their lives, Defence Minister AK Antony told the Lok Sabha while replying to a debate on government’s response to natural disaster in Uttarakhand.

Antony said, “Around 1.1 lakh persons were evacuated to safe places in the shortest possible time, notwithstanding widespread destruction of roads, difficult terrain and extremely hostile weather. ”

The tally of missing persons feared dead differ, with the Centre pegging it at 5,474 while the state government officially puts the figure at 5,748, as Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijaay Bahuguna stated on July 15.

In his statement, the defence minister gave details of the rescue effort launched by the government after the floods, caused due to heavy rain since June 16, wreaked havoc in the hilly state, but he was silent on the rehabilitation measures initiated by the authorities, as reports from state allege that substandard materials are being distributed, and many families have not got even that due to hoarding.

While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had visited the state after the tragedy, had announced assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to Uttarakhand, the Centre has released Rs 400 crore for immediate relief and restoration measures, said Antony.

As he read out the statement, BJP members stood up and started shouting, claiming that no funds had reached the state. On the other hand, MPs from the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress wanted a discussion on the issue. Speaker Meira Kumar assured the House that she had already decided to take up Uttarakhand devastation for discussion by the members.

The defence minister was also interrupted by slogan-shouting MPs carrying placards for a “United Andhra Pradesh” and creation of Bodoland. The members trooped into the Well, but had to return to their respective seats on the instruction of the Speaker.