Central funds will be released in couple of days: CM Yediyurappa
Bengaluru, Oct 2: Amid growing criticism against the delay in release of central funds for flood relief, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday said it would be released in a couple of days as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was aware of the situation.
Yediyurappa's assurance comes a day after the opposition parties in the state hit out at Modi, alleging he has adopted an "indifferent behavior" towards Karnataka on the issue of extending flood relief funds.
"There is no need for anyone, whether from our party or others to create any confusion. Relief funds have not been announced to any of the flood affected states in the country yet," Yediyurappa said.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi was outside the country, now he has come back, in another two to three days all affected states will get funds," he said.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Chief Minister said, "there is no need for anyone's influence or to meet Prime Minister in this regard. PM is aware of the situation. Amit Shah (Home Minister) also is aware... Funds will be released at the earliest."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet expressing concern over the floods in Bihar drew the ire of leaders of Congress and JDS.
In his tweet on Monday, Modi said, "Spoke to Bihar CM @NitishKumar Ji regarding the flood situation in parts of the state.
Agencies are working with local administration to assist the affected. Centre stands ready to provide all possible further assistance that may be required."
Reacting to Modi's tweet, senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah had sought to know why there was "hatred" for Karnataka, and no response from Modi despite severe floods that ravaged many parts of Karnataka.
"More than 60 days since parts Karnataka suffered from floods. No shelter, nothing to eat, cattle dying, crops lost - but response from @narendramodi is missing.
Why this hatred towards Ktaka? What are our 25 MPs from @BJP4Karnataka doing? #NAMOMissing, pls help us find him," Siddaramaiah had tweeted.
Interestingly, Vijayapura City BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had said Modi tweeting concern for Bihar flood victims and not with those affected in Karnataka has made people feel he did not care about the state as there were no immediate polls there.
BJP governments at both centre and the state have been facing criticism from the opposition regarding the "delay" in grant of central funds despite Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman and an Inter-ministerial Central team visiting the affected region.
The Opposition parties have accused the Modi government of showing its "apathy" towards Karnataka, despite state sending 25 BJP MPs.
Last evening, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman had said, the Inter-ministerial Central Team's report was under finalisation.
Karnataka has sent a flood damage estimate of Rs 35,160.81 crore to the central government, and is waiting for the relief.
As many as 103 taluks in 22 districts were affected due to floods in August, in which over 80 people were killed.
Around seven lakh people were shifted to safe areas and thousands of houses were damaged.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
