Disaster mngt authority on anvil in MP

Bhopal, Aug 14 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today hinted that a disaster management authority would be formed within a month for dealing with floods and other natural calamities.

''The state government will extend all possible aid to those affected by excessive rain here and in other districts. A three-member committee has been formed in this regard and comprises Finance Minister Raghavji, Revenue Minister Kamal Patel and Public Health Engineering Minister Rampal Singh,'' he told reporters tonight at his residence here.

The chief minister twice reviewed the situation with senior officials and this evening visited a few affected areas here.

''Once damage assessment is complete we will demand financial assistance from the Centre. Ex gratia of Rs 50,000 each has been doled out to the relatives of those killed in weather-related incidents,'' Mr Chouhan added.

He condemned an assault on Seva Bharti workers while they were distributing food packets in the Chhola locality here.

''Three persons were injured,'' the chief minister explained.

Meanwhile, the incident assumed political hues with the ruling BJP and opposition Congress confronting each other over it. The BJP alleged that Congress workers had a hand in the assault.

UNI SD-AC 2221