Agartala, Sept 15: In response to the recent flood crisis, the government has announced a relief package that includes an additional 10 kilograms of rice, to be distributed free of cost to each ration card holder in October and November, officials said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Agartala Press Club, Ravel Hemendra Kumar, the Special Secretary of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, revealed that this initiative would require an extra Rs. 70 crore from the state's resources.
He also provided an update on the impact of the floods, reporting significant damage to the food supply network.
Floodwaters have destroyed 79 ration shops, 11 storage facilities, and food supplies consisting of 160 MT of rice, 8 MT of Masoor Dal, 9 MT of flour, 12 MT of salts, and 1.5 MT of sugar. The total losses amount to Rs. 1.22 crore.
He assured the public that despite the damage, enough food supplies are available, and all spoiled items have been properly discarded in line with regulatory standards.
Nirmal Adhikari, Director of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, was also present during the briefing.