The Centre has given the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments the green signal to optimally use the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to provide succour to the flood-hit states.
The Centre has given the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka governments the green signal to optimally use the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to provide succour to the flood-hit states. It is also working on a financial package to tackle the post-flood situation in these states.
The move to formulate the financial package got a fillip after UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi aerially surveyed the marooned areas. The states expected Sonia Gandhi to announce a relief package. However, it was left to the home ministry to undertake a detailed survey in consultation with the finance ministry. A final decision would be taken once finance minister Pranab Mukherjee returns from his foreign visit, sources said.
On its part, the home ministry has liberalised the norms for using the CRF. It has permitted the state governments to utilise 75% of the funds. More funds will immediately be made available once the states submit a utilisation certificate, sources said.
The Centre released Rs209.1 crore from the CRF for the two states on Wednesday. Of this amount, Andhra Pradesh will receive Rs156.84 crore, while Karnataka will get Rs52.26 crore.
Normally, the amount is released in December. But this time, at a high-level meeting chaired by cabinet secretary KM Chandrashekhar on Tuesday evening, it was decided that the amount be released in advance owing to the seriousness of the situation. Officials from the two states also attended the meeting.
The Centre has also deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), army, navy and air force personnel for relief and rescue operations. About 714 trained NDRF personnel along with 235 inflatable motorised boats, 310 lifebuoys and 225 lifejackets have been deployed in Kurnool, Krishna, Mahabubnagar and Nandyal districts in Andhra Pradesh.
Similarly, over 700 army personnel (seven columns) along with 23 special boats, 11 outboard motor boats, 430 lifejackets and 11 rescue teams from the navy are aiding rescue operations in Guntur, Mahabubnagar and Vijaywada districts.
In Karnataka, the army has deployed 12 special boats, six outboard motor boats, 200 lifejackets and additional personnel in affected districts.
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