MoD's Rs 10 Cr Interim Assistance to J-K Ammo Depot Fire Victims

New Delhi, Aug 29 (UNI) Deeply concerned for the victims of the August 11 Ammunition Depot fire in Jammu&Kashmir, Defence Minister AK Antony has ordered a series of relief measures aimed at compensating the loss of livelihood and property in the mishap.

An official spokesperson here today said the Ministerial decision -- taken last night -- provided for an interim assistance of Rs 10 Crore to the State Government to afford immediate relief to the people affected by the devastating fire at the Army's biggest ammunition depot at Khundroo in Anantnag district.

This amount shall be adjusted against the final payment to be made as compensation to the State Government.

The Defence Ministry, said the spokesperson, had also worked out the compensation norms for the people inhabiting areas adjacent to the Ammunition Depot at Khundroo.

Those who had suffered complete loss of their 'Pucca' houses would get a compensation of Rs 150,000 per house while for 'Kutcha' houses the compensation would be Rs 50,000 each. This would be inclusive of the rent for the period till the houses were reconstructed.

For partially damaged houses, the compensation shall be Rs 50,000 per 'Pucca' house and Rs 25,000 per 'Kutcha' house.

Besides, the compensation for damage to crops, standing fruit trees, orchards, perennial crops and for cattle and birds killed would be as per the rates specified under norms of assistance from the Calamity Relief Fund as laid down by the Home Ministry, the spokesperson said.

The damage would be assessed by the District Administration. An Officer to be nominated for the purpose by the Chief Secretary of the State Government would work out the compensation or assistance payable in individual cases as per the norms.

The families of those killed in the incident -- in all 16 in number -- were being paid Rs 2.5 lakh each -- of this, Rs 1.5 lakh had been given by the Army and Rs 1 lakh by the State Government.

UNI