The Centre on Tuesday released the immediate assistance of Rs 600 crore, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Kerala for rehabilitation from flood related calamities. The daily National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha has monitored the dispatch of 90,000 Metric Tonne of rice, 3.2 lakh gas cylinders and 2.2 lakh regulators to the flood effected districts of the States.
“The Department of Food & Public Distribution has made additional allocation of 89,540 MT of rice as per State Government’s request. The Department of Consumer Affairs, in addition to 100 MT of pulses supplied earlier, is sending additional quantities of green gram and Tur dal.
“Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have contributed Rs 25 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in Kerala. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has opened special points in the flood affected areas of the state for lPG distribution. Permission has also been granted, in coordination with the State Government, for non-certified vehicles to carry lPG cylinders. The Ministry has also made available 3.2 lakh lPG cylinders and 2.2 lakh regulators,” said the statement issued by Home Ministry after the NCMC meeting.
Railways have so far supplied 24 lakh litres of drinking water in addition to 2.7 lakh water bottles. Another 14 lakh litres water is currently available at Ernakulam. Railways has also made arrangements for supply of bed sheets and blankets. Trains on all sections have resumed. It is also transporting relief materials from various States to Kerala free of cost.
The Department of Telecom informed the NCMC that 94 per cent of the telecom towers are repaired and power supply to telephone exchanges will be restored on priority. “The Health Ministry will supply 3 crore Chlorine tablets in addition to one crore tablets supplied earlier. 30 tonnes of bleaching powder and 1.76 lakh sanitary pads have also been sent. Additional quantities will also be sent in the next few days. No major outbreak of disease has been reported so far. As per the State Government’s requirement, essential spices, salt, tea and coffee are also being supplied by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries,’ said Home Ministry.