Centre not helping in drought relief: Chouhan

Indore, Mar 26: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today alleged that the Centre is not providing help for relief work in drought-affected areas.

Mr Chouhan told reporters here that 39 of 48 districts were affected by drought. Bundelkhand, Rewa and Gwalior divisions were most affected. The government has sought assistance from the Centre but it had not responded. He stressed on the need for short-term and long-term strategies to deal with the situation of drought. The drought situation would not end by June. Farmers would be forced to bear the brunt till next crop.

The Chief Minister blamed the Centre for cutting down the state's share for power by 300 MW. Two power projects could not be completed within time. Besides, less storage of water in Bargi, Bansagar and Indira Sagar reservoirs due to low rainfall affected power production.

Referring to proposed action of the government ending the status of sanctuary of Ralamandal sanctuary near Indore, he assured that land mafia would not be able fulfill their intentions.

He said the step was taken with the view of developing tourism. Ralamandal would continue to remain conserved forest area. Regarding high morale of criminals in Indore, Mr Chouhan said strict action would be taken against miscreants irrespective of their affiliation to any political party.

UNI