Centre gives Rs 4.5 crore for drinking water to drought affected HP

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) The Centre has sanctioned Grants-in-Aid of 4 crore 50 lakh under the Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) to the Himachal Pradesh government as additional central assistance to meet the rural drinking water supply requirement arising due to drought situation in the State.

The Department of Drinking Water Supply under the Ministry of Rural Development has provided assistance out of the 5 per cent of the total central rural water supply outlay earmarked for meeting contingencies arising due to natural calamities and disaster and is released on 100 per cent central share basis in relaxation of ARWSP Guidelines.

The State Government has been advised to explore the possibility of community participation of 10 per cent (five per cent for SC/ST Communities), while utilising the fund.

UNI AJ PA VC2032