National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) member VK Duggal, who coordinated the country’s largest and swiftest rescue operations during the Uttarakhand flash floods, has been asked to guide the state’s long term rehabilitation and reconstruction plan.
The home ministry on Friday entrusted the NDMA member with the additional responsibility of assisting and advising the Uttarakhand government in preparation of rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the ravaged areas.
PM Manmohan Singh had roped in the former home secretary a week after the flash floods in mid-June to coordinate the rescue operations amidst concerns that the state government was not able to cope up. Duggal’s mandate is being expanded on the basis of state government’s feedback.