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It’s an ’empty’ train, says Samajwadi Party

“Humare paas bahut pani hai…”

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The SP alleged that the state government’s demand for additional funds for tankers and dam to deal with drought in Bundelkhand has not been met by the Centre.

The water train was meant to provide relief to about 40 villages facing severe water crisis.

The train was originally destined to reach Mahoba, 170 km from Jhansi, on Friday but has been kept at the Jhansi rail yard since Wednesday. “Railway minister Suresh Prabhu had received several requests from the MPs and local people for water trains”.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has refused to accept the water train offered by the central government to Bundelkhand, which is undergoing a drought-like condition.

A provision of Rs 150 crore has been set aside for multi- goal irrigation project on Betwa river in Jhansi and Rs two crore for tankers to provide potable water in the region. “Wherever tankers are required, an assessment has been made and tankers have been bought”, Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said.

Railways is continuing to transport water to Latur and till now more than 4 crore litres of water has been sent to the parched region in Maharashtra in 50-wagon water train called Jaldoot.

There is a special package for Bundelkhand, it should be used properly.

“We have given autos and e-rickshaws to the people on the basis of their requirement, whereas the central government is giving e-rickshaws by arranging its cost through other means”, he said. Can a Minister do water politics? The drought-affected Bundelkhand region is spread across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

During the meeting, it was decided that the parliamentarians will submit proposals for improving supply of drinking water in the region to the Ayog within three days for further action, Water Resources Ministry spokesperson Samir Sinha said. “It is standing at Jhansi station”.

Samajwadi Party leaders are accusing the BJP of taking credit for the good relief work Akhilesh Government is doing for the people of Bundelkhand.

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All the Oppositions of the UP Government have retorted against this whimsical move taken by the state.

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