PM announces Rs 2,350 cr package for flood-hit NE states

Durban: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering during the Civic Reception jointly by High Commissioner and the Mayor of Durban in Durban, South Africa on Saturday. PTI Photo by Kamal Singh(PTI7_9_2016_000255B)

GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a total package of Rs 2,350 crore for all north eastern states for mitigating the impact of floods in short and long term basis, and an immediate release of Rs 250 crore for flood-hit Assam.

The sum released for Assam is in addition to Rs 300 crore released in June, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Water Resources Minister Keshab Mahanta told a press conference here.

“The problem in the north east is India’s problem and we should collectively concentrate on converting the problem in to power,” Mahanta quoted Modi as saying during his five-hour long discussion with the NE chief ministers and their cabinets during his day-long visit here.

The prime minister said the Centre is always with Assam and the north eastern states and suggested adoption of short and long term measures to handle flood and erosion problems.

He held separate meetings with the chief ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland, besides Assam along with their cabinets to take stock of the latest flood situation in these states. Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla did not come but sent a representation on his behalf. (AGENCIES)