TS seeks Rs 2,514 cr drought aid

Hyderabad, Dec 8: Three central government teams that reached Hyderabad on Monday to assess the drought situation in the state are today touring various places in Ranga Reddy district, including Pedda Cheruvu near Ibrahimpatnam. Later, they held discussions with local government officials on the drought conditions. Earlier, Telangana Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma is said to have met the central team members and appraised them of 231 mandals facing severe drought situation in the state. During the interaction, he also told them about the severe drinking water shortage in the state. Sharma then requested for a Rs 134 crore assistance for Hyderabad water supply alone. He also presented the overall drought assistance proposal of Rs 2,514 crore. He urged the teams to visit water bodies like Gandipet, Singur and Manjeera reservoirs, which dried up completely.