Amid the devastating floods that have struck Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, conducted extensive aerial and ground inspections of the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage.

During the visit, Shri Chouhan met flood-affected families, interacted with them personally, and assured them of every possible assistance. He said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, both the Central and State Governments stand firmly with the people of Arunachal Pradesh during this difficult time.

The Union Minister carried out an aerial survey of several flood-affected areas, including Keyi Panyor district, before travelling by road to villages impacted by the disaster. He directly interacted with affected residents, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the challenges they are facing.

Speaking emotionally while meeting the affected families, Shri Chouhan said that sorrow becomes lighter when shared and that standing by one another during times of crisis is the true essence of humanity. Interacting particularly with women, he assured them that they were not alone and that both the Central and State Governments would stand beside them at every step.

He announced that a comprehensive assessment of the flood damage would be conducted. New houses would be constructed for families whose homes had been washed away, while losses to agricultural fields, damaged crops, and livestock would also be assessed to ensure appropriate compensation. Immediate relief in the form of food grains and essential supplies is already being provided to the affected families.

Shri Chouhan stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is personally concerned about the situation and has directed that every possible assistance be extended to the affected people. In line with these directions, the Central Government is working closely with the State Government to carry out relief and rehabilitation operations.

During the visit, the Union Minister also appreciated the remarkable community spirit displayed by local residents. He joined villagers in repairing a flood-damaged road and constructing a protection wall to prevent river water from re-entering the village.

Describing the initiative as deeply inspiring, Shri Chouhan said that while the floods had caused extensive destruction and damage assessment was still underway, the most commendable aspect was that local communities had not waited for government intervention but had voluntarily come forward to address the crisis.

He noted that villagers had undertaken the construction of a protection wall without waiting for formal approvals or administrative estimates in order to safeguard their village from further flooding. Saluting this spirit of collective responsibility, he said that when society remains aware, united and proactive, many significant challenges can be overcome through collective effort. He assured the people that the government would discharge its responsibilities with complete sincerity and leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective relief and rehabilitation.

The Union Minister further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, both the Central and State Governments are working with utmost urgency. Guided by the Prime Minister, the Central Government will extend every possible assistance to restore normalcy in the affected areas at the earliest.

Earlier in the day, Shri Chouhan paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lieutenant General (Retd.) K.T. Parnaik, at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, where they also discussed the ongoing relief operations. Expressing confidence in the combined efforts of the government and society, Shri Chouhan said the state would overcome the present crisis soon, adding, "Together, we will overcome this difficult phase, and Arunachal will smile again."

Following his visit to the flood-affected areas, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a high-level review meeting in Itanagar late on Tuesday night with Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju, and senior officials.

The meeting reviewed relief and rehabilitation efforts in detail and issued necessary directions to ensure prompt assistance reaches every affected family, expedite damage assessment, and accelerate rehabilitation measures. Shri Chouhan stressed that there should be no laxity at any level in the relief operations and called for close coordination between the Central and State Governments to restore normal life at the earliest.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Shri Chouhan said that he and Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju had visited Arunachal Pradesh on the directions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to assess the situation arising from the heavy rains and ensure an effective response in coordination with the State Government.

He said the delegation travelled by road through the affected areas to undertake a first-hand assessment of the damage and interact directly with affected residents to understand the ground situation. Describing the situation as serious and challenging, Shri Chouhan nevertheless commended the State Government for responding swiftly and conducting relief and rescue operations effectively, which helped minimise the loss of human lives.

The Union Minister said that roads, bridges, electricity infrastructure and communication networks had been severely affected in several places. Crops had been destroyed, houses washed away, and livestock losses had also been reported.

He explained that the response is currently being carried out on two fronts: first, ensuring immediate relief by supplying food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential services to affected people; and second, undertaking a detailed assessment to formulate a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation plan.

Shri Chouhan informed that the Chief Minister had submitted a preliminary report, while a detailed assessment report would be sent to the Central Government after completion. He added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister would be fully apprised of the situation, and the Central Government would extend every possible assistance. He expressed confidence that the joint efforts of the Centre and the State would restore normalcy at the earliest while also working on scientific and long-term solutions to better manage such natural disasters in the future.

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