Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to focusing on water conservation, irrigation and rural job schemes to prepare for a drought-like situation, with the country witnessing a warmer summer already.
An official release said, “In view of the onset of summer season, the Prime Minister has instructed that in the next three months, by utilising funds available under schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and MGNREGS, all the states should focus on water conservation related works.”
India’s weather office IMD warned that heat wave conditions are very likely in many places. “Heat wave has tightened its grip over India as early as in March itself, this year. Mercury has been soaring to new levels every day, with several cities witnessing record breaking day maximums,” said Skymet, Private weather forecaster.
To compensate for the losses suffered due to drought and cyclone, the Centre has already released close to Rs 2,950 crore to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). According to official release, Karnataka has received Rs 1,235.52 crore for drought relief and Tamil Nadu has got Rs 1,712.10 crore for drought and cyclone relief.
Official release states that, “The central government is concerned at prevailing drought situation in the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. After the receipt of detailed memoranda from these states, inter-ministerial central teams (IMCT) were deputed to visit the drought affected areas for spot assessment of the calamity.”
Under the devolution formula, Tamil Nadu has received Rs 24,538 crore and Karnataka Rs 28,750 crore. Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana in 2016-17, for the benefit of farmers, Rs 13,240 crore has been provided.
The Centre has also provided Rs 48,869 crore to all states as grant for rural and urban local bodies to primarily meet the requirement of basic necessities for people living in these areas. For various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) during 2016-17, The Centre has also provided a total Rs 2,45,435 crore to states.
Source:http://www.hindustantimes.com/
