No rules to come in way to tackle drought: Chouhan

Bhopal, May 6 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said no rules would be allowed to come in the way of tackling drought and drinking water crisis.

Mr Chouhan, while reviewing situation of drought and drinking water at the Mantralaya here, said drought and drinking water crisis has to be taken up as a challenge and work has to be carried out on war footing.

The meeting informed that Rs 98.10 crore has been distributed to drought-affected districts so far to tackle the situation. An amount of Rs 25 lakh was provided to every tahsil in drought-affected areas. More funds would be approved if required.

He said a central team was visiting Bundelkhand region after the government demanded special package. However, no fund has been received so far.

The meeting was informed that an amount of Rs 2.51 crore and Rs 9.40 crore has been allocated for transporting drinking water in rural and urban areas respectively. An amount of Rs 65 lakh has been provided to nine districts for animal camps. Besides, Rs 23 lakh has been provided for constructing pond for drinking water for wild animals.

Mr Chouhan said work of digging hand pumps was being carried out on regular basis by the PHE department with the help of respective district administration. For providing eight lakh litre drinking water to Dewas every day, cooperation from the Indore Municipal Corporation was being taken.

The Chief Minister reviewed drinking water arrangements in rural areas and big cities. He gathered information about efforts to provide employment to labourers and fodder for cattle.

The meeting was informed that people were being provided employment under the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Directions were issued to start new jobs where 100 days' of employment had been provided.

UNI AG-PS SY BD1755