Uttarakhand approves release of Rs 200 crore for cultivators

Uttarakhand Cabinet today approved the release of Rs 200 crore towards relief of cultivators following unseasonal rainfall in the state.
Chief Minister Harish Rawat said in a decision taken in a meeting held here late evening, the Cabinet has approved release of Rs 200 crore and cultivators who were earlier given Rs 1000, will be given Rs 500 more and thus each cultivator will recieve immediate relief of Rs 1500.
Rawat said other than this relief amount, an assessment of the damages suffered will be carried out and adequate help provided to them.
On the Ardhkumbh mela to be held next year, he expressed satisfaction at the preparations but said the state was not recieving any financial aid from the Centre.

Rawat said if the Centre can extend help to Nasik and Ujjain then why not Haridwar. Alleging discimination by the Centre, he said a budget of Rs 152 crore has been sanctioned for arrangements of permanenent nature and added that a budget of Rs 98 crore was also today approved.
He said the state has planned to spend Rs 250 crore from the estimated cost of Rs 500 crore of the Ardh-Kumbh mela will be spent on basic requirements.

He said 5 crore people are expected to reach Haridwar for the sacred bath during the Ardh-Kumbh mela.
On Chardham Yatra, he said till now one lakh registered and non-registered pilgrims have reached the pilgrimage.

On Ganga rejuvenation, he said they are planning to send a proposal on naturally cleaning the river by constructing a canal parallel to the river.