Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Mayawati on Wednesday demanded an increased package of Rs 2,175 from
the Centre for carrying out flood relief operations in the
state.
"The Chief Minister has written another letter to Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh requesting him to immediately provide
Rs 2,175 crore for flood-hit districts in the state," an
official spokesman said.
Mayawati has also demanded that a Central team be sent to
assess losses due to floods in Uttar Pradesh, where 5,969
villages in 33 districts are affected.
Earlier, Mayawati had requested the Centre for Rs 2000
crore after taking an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas.
After the survey, the Chief Minister had sent a letter
to the Prime Minister requesting him to declare western UP as
calamity-hit area and release Rs 1000 crore in the first
phase. Another Rs 1000 was demanded for other districts
of the state, the spokesman said.
Based on preliminary estimates, Principal Secretary
(Relief) has sent a memorandum for a financial aid of Rs 2,175
crore to Joint Secretary, Disaster Management under Home
Minister.
"Mayawati has said that actual assessment of flood can be
made only after flood situation improves. A detailed
memorandum for required fund can be sent after that," the
spokesman said.
The floods have so far claimed 420 lives in the state.
Crops sown on estimated 8.08 lakh hectares have been damaged
due to floods, which has also affected infrastructure
facilities, the letter stated.
PTI
