CM seeks Rs 4,000 crore to tackle drought

Hyderabad, Sept 9:

The Andhra Pradesh Government on Wednesday declared 971 mandals in 21 districts as drought hit. Talking to media people after convening a high level meeting with officials concerned on Wednesday, the Chief Minister K Rosaiah said that the state recorded a 30 per cent of deficient rainfall in the 21 districts.

He said that 10 mandals in Srikakulam district recorded deficient rainfall. This would be announced after completion of by-elections to Tekkali assembly constituency. No mandal in Hyderabad district find a place in the list as it does not have rural pockets.

He said that the state government has sought Rs 4,000 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to deal with the severe drought situation. He urged the Centre to understand the gravity of the problem and ensure adequate assistance from the Union government.

He said the failure of monsoon had resulted in the lakes and tanks drying up. He said that the people appeared frustrated and unhappy due to many other related factors, including non-availability of fodder for their cattle. In some tanks, water levels were as low as four feet while the minimum should be eight feet for the assured water supply to the villages, he said.