Thousands of litres used at CM's helipad in drought-hit area

The visit of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here yesterday has got caught in a controversy as thousands of litres of water was used to ensure a dust-free makeshift helipad at a time when this area of Bundelkhand is witnessing drought.
"Strong action should be taken against those responsible for the massive wastage of scarce water," said leader of local outfit Bundelkhand Vikas Sena Harish Kapur 'Titu' today.
The Chief Minister had visited Lalitpur yesterday to review drought situation and provide relief measures.
Lalitpur is part of the Bundelkhand region, which is half in Uttar Pradesh and half in Madhya Pradesh and is reeling under severe water crisis.

SP Mohammed Imran said the water sprinkled on the helipad was not fit for drinking, justifying the development.
He said there can be no compromise on the issue of CM's security.

This comes amid a controversy over use of 10,000 litres of water for a makeshift helipad at a village in Maharashtra, close to the airport, where Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse landed for reviewing drought situation in parched Latur district.
Khadse had later issued a clarification saying water used for preparing the helipad was waste from filtration plant which could not be recycled for normal use.
During his visit here, Yadav has accused the Centre of turning a blind eye to drought-hit Bundelkhand and said his government would make a separate provision in the budget for the region, if needed.