Dehradun, July 1, 2013: The state government on Monday announced various sops and facilities for those who were severely hit by the worst natural calamity a fortnight ago, with the search and rescue operations in the flood-devastated Uttarakhand almost nearing completion. Uttarakhand CM Vijay Bahuguna announced setting up of a statutory body ‘Uttarakhand Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority' that will be entrusted with the task of rebuilding the hill state. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction The Chief Minister, while addressing a press conference, said that higher rate of compensation will be given for sugarcane farmers, a.dding, "Rs 500 each will be given to students in the affected families." The state government also completely banned any kind of construction on the banks of a river passing through the state. Among various steps taken by the government to help those affected by the natural calamity, the CM said, "Free ration will be given to villages where connectivity has not been restored yet." Power bills have been waived off for affected families and the state government has decided to compensate owners of all commercial establishments, from small dhaba vendors to big hotels that were hit by torrential rains, flash floods and landslides, the Uttarakhand CM said. 

Source: One India, DT. July 1, 2013.