Lucknow, Sept 23: The Uttar Pradesh government today declared Firozabad district as flood affected and enhanced the contingency fund to help clear cane dues to farmers. These decisions were taken a cabinet meeting here. So far, 32 of the 71 districts in the state have been declared as flood-hit. Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, State Chief Secretary A P S Singh said district authorities had been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations in flood-ravaged areas on a war footing. He said the state would demand central assistance to deal with the natural calamity in which 690 people had perished so far. Singh said the cabinet decided to enhance the contingency fund from Rs 600 crore to Rs 1200 crore to help clear cane dues to farmers.

Bureau Report