Central team convinced of drought situation: CM

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 21 : The Central team is convinced about the serious situation prevailing in Kerala due to drought, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here today.

Though Kerala had demanded an amount of Rs 7,888 crore as drought relief from the Centre, the Central team has promised to recommend the maximum amount adhering to the Central norms, he said.

Meanwhile, addressing newspersons at the Assembly Media Room, Revenune Minister Adoor Praksah said out of Rs 7,888 crore of the State's demand, the team estimated only Rs 492 crore stipulating to the Central norms.

The team met the Chief Minister, the Revenue Minister Water Resource Minister P J Joseph, Agriculture Minsiter K P Mohanan at the Chief Minister's office in the Legislative Assembly. The Central team will submit its report to the Centre within a week. The team led by Joint Secretary Narendrabhushan has visited Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kollam, Pathanamthitta districts that are worst affected by drought.

Apart from drought, the Central team is also convinced of the scarcity of drinking water in these areas.

The team has also insisted Kerala to utilise the long term Central projects aimed to face drought situations.