Centre to release funds for flood-hit Himachal

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said the centre would release adequate funds to Himachal Pradesh from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for relief and restoration in flood-affected areas, an official statement said.

A delegation comprising ministers from Himachal Pradesh headed by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh met the prime minister and briefed him about the massive losses on account of heavy rains, and requested central assistance under the NDRF and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

"The state as a whole experienced heavy rainfall and 69 human lives have been lost and 2,427 animals have perished. And 11,157 houses, 4,519 roads and 2,763 water supply schemes have been badly damaged in the flash floods," Virbhadra Singh said in the statement.

Assuring all possible assistance from the centre, the prime minister said all demands of the state government, like extension of industrial package, Special Plan Assistance and strengthening of the rail network will be positively considered by the central government in a time-bound manner.