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Bhuj collector gheraoed

Angry quake-stricken people, resenting tardy and inadequate relief distribution, Tuesday "gheraoed" Bhuj district collector even as the Gujarat government announced the setting up of a management authority for taking up reconstruction and rehabilitation along with the introduction of a "relief card" system from Wednesday.

The slogan-shouting protesters, mostly villagers, gathered in front of the collectorate to express their anger and eyewitnesses said collector Anil Mukhim, who took over from Kamal Dayani following his transfer amidst complaints of poor handling of relief operation, was "gheraoed". Mukhim, however, denied it.

Mukhim had a tough time in explaining the tardy pace of relief distribution despite availability of relief materials in plenty.

Responding to a barrage of questions from newsmen, all that he could say was that the administration was coming to grips with the situation and streamlining distribution.

Mukhim admitted he was witnessing angry protests on a daily basis. "Here it is national calamity and people are bound to give vent to their frustrations. They came angry and we as the administration had to maintain our cool to pacify them."

Faced with strident criticism, the state cabinet decided to set up an Earthquake Management Authority, headed by the chief minister, to monitor relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes in quake-ravaged areas.

The government also announced it would also launch a new 'Relief Card Scheme' from Wednesday to supply rations, clothing and cash relief to quake-ravaged areas.

PTI

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