Haryana to compensate loss of crop by hailstorm: Hooda

New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mar 14 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today conducted an aerial survey of the hailstorm affected areas in the districts of Mahendergarh, Rewari, Mewat and Faridabad to assess the damage caused to the crops due to heavy rains and intense hailstorm.

He gave a compassionate hearing to the affected farmers and assured them compensation for the damage caused to their crops by April 15, 2007.

He said that the farmers who had suffered cent per cent loss would be given compensation at the rate of Rs 5,000 per acre for wheat and Rs 4,000 per acre for other crops whereas those farmers whose crops had suffered 50 per cent to 75 per cent damage would be given compensation at the rate of Rs 4,000 per acre for wheat and Rs 3,000 per acre for other crops.

Similarly, those farmers whose crops had suffered damage from 25 per cent to 50 per cent would be given compensation at the rate of Rs 3,000 per acre for wheat and Rs 2,000 per acre for other crops.

He said that besides compensation for damaged crops other facilities would also be provided to the farmers on priority basis.

Mr Hooda said that directions for the conduct of Special Girdawari of the hailstorm affected areas had already been issued and the revenue officials especially Patwaris had been directed to ensure that announcements be made before conducting special Girdawari so that no farmer was left out.

The Chief Minister said that strict action would be taken against any officer or official who was found lacking in any way for ensuring the proper completion of Girdawari.

Mr Hooda assured the farmers all support and said that the compensation being given to them was the highest in the country.

He said that being himself a son of a farmer he could fully comprehend their pain and loss.

Addressing the farmers, the Revenue Minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav pointed out that the Girdawari conducted by the Patwaris would also be reviewed by the higher officers.

He called upon the Revenue Officers to conduct the work of Girdawari in a fair and honest manner.

UNI