Floods wash away 14,600 hectares of farmland in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, Jul 1: Heavy rains followed by floods in several parts of Gujarat washed away more than 14,600 hectares of farmland last week and severely damaged crops, according to a primary estimate by the state government.

Gujarat Health Minister said most of the damage occurred in Amreli as well as Rajkot, where Shetrunji and Bhadar rivers overflowed after incessant rains on June 24.

"Damage to agricultural land situated on the banks of these rivers is maximum, since flood waters entered deep into villages due to overflowing rivers. As per our primary survey, around 10,000 hectares of land has been rendered unusable due to the flood," Patel said.

About 4,600 hectares of farmland, including land with crops, were washed away in other districts as well, including 1,300 hectares in Valsad, 1,622 hectares in Bharuch and 1,700 hectares in Gir-Somnath district, he said.

"In Amreli alone, 61 teams are doing a comprehensive survey to assess crop loss. We have already completed survey of more than 7,000 hectares so far. We will take decision about compensation after the final survey report of entire state arrives," Patel said.

He further said Amreli, where at least 41 persons died, is the worst affected district. "Out of them, 14 bodies are still unidentified.

As per our norms, we have distributed death compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to 17 families of deceased, while others will be given in coming days," Patel said.

He said as many as 3,700 cattle died in Amreli alone, for which, the government will pay Rs 30,000 each as compensation to the owners.

"We restored electricity and mobile connectivity in almost all villages of affected districts. Majority of roads connecting villages have been repaired. Barring a few places, banks, schools and government offices are now open," Patel said.

At least 70 people died in the state due to floods due to heavy rains last Wednesday.

PTI