Hailstorm destroys crops in over a dozen Bajpur villages; CM Dhami diverts helicopter to inspect fields, orders joint teams to survey damage

A strong storm, torrential rain and heavy hail hit the Bajpur area around noon on Friday, badly damaging standing crops in more than a dozen villages. A total loss of crops is feared in Banskhedi, Bhajua Nagla, Beria Daulat, Gangapur, Moholi Jungle, Shivpuri, Badripur, Thotu Pura, Kshetri, Madiya Hatu, Hajira, Bansakheda, Haripura and Chandanpura. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was flying back from Haldwani to Dehradun, had his helicopter turned towards Bajpur as soon as he heard, made an aerial survey of the affected area, then landed and spoke to farmers in the fields. He told officials to form joint teams, finish an accurate assessment of the damage quickly, send the report to the government and give relief on time as per the rules. Hail also ruined ripe paddy in Rudrapur; Mayor Vikas Sharma asked the District Magistrate for a survey and compensation. If your crop is insured, report the loss to the insurance company or the toll-free number 14447 within 72 hours. (Source: Hindustan, ETV Bharat)