Focus on water conservation, irrigation: Modi tells states, as heat wave intensifies | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
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Focus on water conservation, irrigation: Modi tells states, as heat wave intensifies

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Apr 02, 2017 10:09 PM IST

Prime Minister Modi has instructed that in the next three months, all states should focus on water conservation related works by utilising funds available under schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and MGNREGS

With the country witnessing a warmer summer already, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to prepare for a drought-like situation by focusing on water conservation, irrigation and rural job schemes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed that in the next three months, all states should focus on water conservation related works.(AP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed that in the next three months, all states should focus on water conservation related works.(AP)

“In view of the onset of summer season, the Prime Minister has instructed that in the next three months, all the states should focus on water conservation related works by utilising funds available under schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and MGNREGS,” an official release said on Saturday.

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India’s weather office IMD on Saturday warned that heat wave conditions are very likely in many places.

Private weather forecaster Skymet said, “Heat wave has tightened its grip over India as early as in March itself, this year. Mercury has been soaring to new levels every day, with several cities witnessing record breaking day maximums.”

The Centre has already released close to Rs 2,950 crore to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to compensate for the losses suffered due to drought and cyclone.

While Tamil Nadu has got Rs 1,712.10 crore for drought and cyclone relief, Karnataka has received Rs 1,235.52 crore for drought relief, an official release said.

“The central government is concerned at prevailing drought situation in the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. After the receipt of detailed memoranda from these states, inter-ministerial central teams (IMCT) were deputed to visit the drought affected areas for spot assessment of the calamity,” it said.

The disaster relief comes over and above the sharing of 42% of central taxes as per the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission.

During 2016-17, the Centre has released about Rs 6.08 lakh crore to states as devolution of central taxes.

Tamil Nadu has received Rs 24,538 crore and Karnataka Rs 28,750 crore under the devolution formula.

The Centre has also provided Rs 48,869 crore to all states as grant for rural and urban local bodies to primarily meet the requirement of basic necessities for people living in these areas. For the benefit of farmers, Rs 13,240 crore has been provided under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana in 2016-17.

The Centre has also provided a total Rs 2,45,435 crore to states for various Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) during 2016-17, including Rs 47,499 crore for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

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