Rs 1,000 crore crops loss due to untimely rains, hailstorms in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh government on Friday said that according to preliminary reports, there has been a loss of about Rs 1,000 crores to crops due to recent untimely rains and hailstorms in the state.

Speaking in the Assembly over debate on the massive losses to crops, Minister for Handicapped Welfare Ambika Chaudhary said that state has also written a letter to the central government seeking immediate relief of Rs 500 crores.

"We have also asked the central government to send its committee for detailed assessment of the losses", Chaudhary said.

Responding to the demand raised by opposition members, the minister said that all revenue realisation has been suspended and a plot to plot verification is being done to asses the quantum of losses.

To members' contention that several farmers have either committed suicide or have died of heart attack due to shock, Chaudhary said that though it was not correct yet the government is doing everything to provide help to the bereaved families and they are being provided relief of Rs 5 lakhs which include the central share of Rs 1.50 lakhs.

He also agreed to the suggestion that SDM level officials should be sent for on the spot verification in case of any report of loss of life.

"We have also fixed the minimum relief amount to Rs 750 as farmers used to get meagre amount of even less as Rs 75 in the past", he said adding that the situation is being reviewed on a daily basis at the chief secretary level and DMs have been authorised to withdraw money from the treasury for extending prompt help.