Flood-hit farmers in Guna must get their rightful insurance claims: Scindia

Guna (MP), Aug 24 (PTI) Union Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday said insurance companies that received premiums from farmers in his Guna Lok Sabha constituency must clear their claims against loss of crops due to floods.

“The insurance companies that have collected money (premiums) from farmers in the district must now come forward to help them as their crops have been destroyed due to excessive rainfall. We will ensure that farmers get their rightful dues from these companies,” he said.

“I have asked the collector to convene a meeting with these insurance companies so that farmers can get relief without delay,” he told reporters here.

He also inspected flood-affected areas in the city and visited several colonies to review the situation caused by heavy rains.

Scindia said he had been touring the constituency for the past three days to assess the damage caused by the natural calamity.

“Water entered villages and cities from both the skies and rivers, creating a grave situation. Now the situation is fully under control,” he said.

According to him, nearly 7,000 residents in Guna have received compensation, though it cannot fully cover the losses. He also met the families of four people who died in the floods.

Scindia, who is also the Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, added that strict measures would be taken to check flooding in future.

“Encroachments on rivers and drains will be removed, and the original width of water channels will be restored. I have asked the administration to hold a voluntary labour drive during my next visit, in which I will also participate,” he said.

The minister is on a two-day visit to Guna district. On Saturday, he attended the closing ceremony of the National Basketball Championship at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and presented trophies to the winners.

On Sunday morning, Scindia met BJP workers and local residents at the Circuit House, where he heard their grievances and instructed officials to ensure resolution. He then proceeded to visit flood-hit areas in Bamori area of the district. PTI COR LAL NR