New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to discuss water scarcity and drought in the state.
According to reports, CM Yadav sought an assistance of Rs 10,600 crore from the Centre to tackle drought and water crisis in the state. CM Yadav also urged the centre to send tankers in large numbers to the parched Bundelkhand region for supply of water from dams and canals there.
"Water is available in Bundelkhand, dam is hardly 5 kilometers away. We just have to make arrangements for distribution of water," ANI quoted CM Akhilesh Yadav as saying.
"Had a productive meeting with UP CM Akhilesh Yadav on the drought situation in various parts of Uttar Pradesh," PM Modi tweeted after the meeting.
Had a productive meeting with UP CM @yadavakhilesh on the drought situation in various parts of UP. @CMOfficeUP pic.twitter.com/1pJKedMPbK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2016
The various drought mitigation measures undertaken in the state were discussed extensively in the meeting.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2016
CM @yadavakhilesh & I discussed the need to effectively utilise the period before monsoon for water recharge and conservation efforts.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2016
Usage of latest technology & community participation, particularly of our Nari Shakti can play a key role in effective drought management.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 7, 2016
PM Modi will also be meeting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to assess the drought situation in the states. As per the government report, at least one-third of India's districts are affected by severe drought of which Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka are worst-hit.
