Dr Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India, has announced a relief package of Rs 1000 crore for Sikkim to rebuild infrastructure that was damaged in the September 18 earthquake. This announcement was made after he visited the earthquake affected areas of the state. The Prime Minister visited Gangtok and made an aerial survey of the quake-affected areas of the state like Mangan, Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung.
The Prime Minister said that an expert team would be sent to Sikkim soon to identify an appropriate design for damaged houses. These constructions will be funded entirely by the Central government and from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Singh said that all arterial roads which were damaged in the earthquake would be repaired and restored as quickly as possible. He said the main access roads to Sikkim have been restored, while the road from Mangan to Chungthang will be restored by mid October, and work will continue to ensure that other roads are operational as early as possible. Similarly, all the damaged national monuments will be restored by the Ministry of Culture, he added.
Singh added that keeping in view the extensive and unprecedented damage, the Central Government is ready to provide assistance of Rs 1,000 crore for relief, restoration and reconstruction work.