Telangana seeks more central aid for drought relief

Hyderabad: Telangana on Tuesday sought more central assistance for drought relief and to tide over the drinking water problem.

State Panchayat Raj Minister K. T. Rama Rao made this request on Tuesday during a meeting with central ministers Choudhary Birender Singh and Ram Kripal Yadav here.

Rama Rao said the central government released only Rs.791 crore for drought relief though the state had sought an assistance of Rs.3,064 crore. Similarly, it gave Rs.72 crore against the request for Rs.555 crore for drinking water supply.

According to an official statement, the two central ministers informed the state that Niti Aayog is likely to provide more funds.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister and Birender Singh and Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Ram Kripal Yadav held a review meeting with the state minister and officials over drought and drinking water.

The central ministers were briefed over the state's ambitious programme Mission Bhagiratha, aimed at ensuring piped water supply to every household in the state. They lauded the programme and said this was a role model for other states facing drought and shortage of drinking water.

The officials made a power point presentation and screen an audio video documentary on the programme. The central ministers enquired about the progress of the works and the mobilisation of resources.

Birender Singh said he would stay in the state for two days to see the works being undertaken under Mission Bhagiratha. Assuring all possible assistance in mobilizing funds for the project, he said he would personally talk to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JAICA) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).