SIALKOT, July 10: Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi has said the government is utilizing all resources for early rehabilitation of the flood-hit people. Addressing the flood affectees here on Sunday, he said measures had been taken for providing expeditious relief to displaced people in the province. A detailed survey would be conducted for assessing the accurate loss to crops and property, he said.

The chief minister directed the health department to initiate an immunization drive for protecting the flood-affected people from diseases and provide free medical facilities to them.

He also directed the livestock department to make adequate arrangements for inoculation of animals.

The chief minister ordered establishment of a ‘boat bridge’ for restoring communication in the area.

He said a feasibility report should be prepared for the construction of spurs on the Chenab.

He announced a special grant of Rs10 million for providing compensation in Sialkot district. A sum of Rs25,000 would be given to completely damaged and Rs10,000 to partially affected houses in the district.

The chief minister also declared 50 villages as calamity hit areas and exempted them from agricultural income tax, local rate, and water rate. A degree college and a hostel would be established in Phuklian of Bajwat area to facilitate students, he added.

The chief minister also visited relief centres and inquired from the people about their problems and arrangements made by the district administration. Later, he had an aerial view of the flood-affected areas.