The Hindu Business Line : Kerala CM plans to tour drought-hit areas

THE Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, has said that he would tour the drought-affected areas of Wayanad, Palakkad and Idukki districts and the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha to make an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

Briefing newspersons here on Wednesday after a routine meeting of the Cabinet, the Chief Minister said the Rs 49-crore drought relief assistance promised by the Centre had fallen far short of the requirements.

The Cabinet decided to approach the Centre again for additional funds for relief measures and directed the District Collectors to prepare an action plan to use the Rs 200 crore already released to them.

They have also been asked to submit a detailed report on crop loss and other damages in their respective areas for being incorporated into the fresh memorandum to be submitted to the Centre.

Replying to a specific question, the Chief Minister said officials are being advised not to waste "even a single paisa" of what is being advanced as relief assistance.

There have been lapses in the past in making good use of the emergency funds doled out by the Centre largely due to the severe finance crunch faced by the State. But this would not be allowed to happen this time round, he said.

Referring to criticism of the State Government's wayward spending habits and `misrepresentation of facts' in the memorandum submitted to the Centre, the Chief Minister admitted that losses incurred by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) amounting to Rs 900 crore had been included in the latter.

But this loss was attributable to non-availability of water for generation, he said.

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