Call to include cold wave in the disaster list

  • 12/02/2008

  • Hindu

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on Tuesday called upon the Centre to include "frost' and "cold wave' in the notified disaster list of the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) and sought prompt disbursal of financial assistance to the affected farmers in the State. Ms. Raje, who met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil at his North Block office in New Delhi, pointed out that the cold wave sweeping North India had severely damaged rabi crop in many districts of Rajasthan and affected agricultural economy. Ms. Raje said the orders for a quick assessment to find out the extent of damage had been issued and District Collectors would submit their reports at the earliestThe Chief Minister said the estimated damage to crops would amount to Rs.1,000 crore, with 10 lakh hectare area and as many as 3 lakh farmers having been affected. According to an official release issued here, Ms. Raje later said the Home Minister assured her of considering the issue seriously and promised to take action shortly.