The Hindu Business Line : Centre sanctions Rs 200 cr for AP flood relief work

The Union Government has announced the sanction of Rs 200 crore to take up relief measures in the flood-affected areas, even as nearly 400 villages are still marooned in floodwater. Water levels of Godavari at Dowlaiswaram and Rajahmundry receded, promising a let up.

Announcing the help at a news conference after an aerial survey of the affected areas, Mr Shivraj Patil, Union Minister for Home, said the Centre has directed the State Government to evolve a plan to offer immediate and permanent rehabilitation solutions.

The plan would be studied by the Centre and Planning Commission to provide the necessary financial assistance.

Ms Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President, who also visited the flood-hit Coastal districts along with the Union Minister, didn't speak to the media, though present at the press conference held at the Begumpet airport.

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, said the State had yet to make a complete assessment of the loss. "We could assess the extent of the damage with regard to only three districts. Floodwater is yet to recede in four other districts," he said.

The State Government, however, gave an interim memorandum to the Centre. "The Centre has asked us to work on strengthening the bunds along the major rivers such as the Godavari, the Krishna and the Vamsadhara," he said.

"A stretch of 480-km-long bunds along the Godavari were to be strengthened way back in 1986. But the then Government (TDP) could complete only 80 km. This has resulted in the unprecedented floods," he said.

The Government would make efforts to complete the remaining part this year. A Central team will soon arrive in the State to take stock of the situation and make an assessment of the loss.

Meanwhile, the State has set up a 24-hour cell to attend to health problems in flood-hit areas.

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