Centre clears Rs 417 Cr Neelam cyclone relief

The Central Governemnt on Wednesday released Rs 417.12 crore for Andhra Pradesh towards Neelam cyclone rehabilitation.

The Centre decided to release a relief package of more than Rs 2,892 crore for seven states, including Andhra Pradesh to help them tackle the impact of droughts, floods and landslides faced last year.  The decision was taken at the meeting of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on drought, headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. 

 Briefing the media, Pawar said: There were number of proposals from various states demanding central assistance to address drought situation, floods and landslides in 2012. We have approved the relief package, which is highest in the recent years.  The total relief package for Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttarkhand is Rs 2,892.61 crore, excluding the funds allocated for cattle camp in Maharashtra.

Pawar said Rs 417.12 crore has been approved for Andhra Pradesh in the wake of cyclone Nilam, Rs 1,207.84 crore has been approved for Maharashtra, Rs 864.71 crore for Gujarat and Rs 66.61 crore for Kerala to tackle drought. The EGoM also approved Rs 54.49 crore relief package to Kerala that suffered floods last year. Besides, , Rs 115.32 crore for Himachal Pradesh, Rs 93.76 crore for Sikkim and Rs 72.76 crore for Uttarkhand due to cloud burst, floods and landslides.