Rawat seeks quick release of funds for Ardh Kumbh preparations

Dehradun, March 31

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has asked NITI Aayog to expedite sanctioning of funds for the preparations of 'Ardh Kumbh' fair to be held next year in Haridwar.

Speaking to NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar over telephone yesterday, the CM sought funds to speed-up building of infrastructure and other preparations for the benefit of 'Ardha Kumbh' pilgrims, an official release said here today.

Rawat also raised the issue of relief funds sanctioned for the areas affected by 2013 floods in the state.

He said that Uttarakhand Sub-Committee, formed by the previous government at the Centre immediately after the deluge, had agreed to provide Rs 8,000 crore for renovation of flood-hit areas as well as for developing roads for Char Dham Yatra.

However, after NITI Aayog was formed, the Centre may provide Rs 3,000 crore, the CM said, adding, that it would be difficult for the state government to arrange for rest of the amount.

The state government has already provided 30 per cent of the total relief fund from the state revenue and now if the amount promised by the Centre is curtailed then most of the renovation works in flood-hit areas of the state will be affected, Rawat added. PTI