Central team to conduct aerial survey of flood-hit areas in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh: Bandi Sanjay

HYDERABAD: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay informed that a Central team would conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

In a tweet, Bandi Sanjay mentioned that this decision was made following discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister for Coal G Kishan Reddy, highlighting the urgent need to assess the damage caused by the recent floods. He stated that he brought the issue of utilisation and approval of NDRF funds in Telangana to the attention of Amit Shah and Kishan Reddy.

"Shri Amit Shah ji responded positively, and based on his instructions, the Union Home Ministry's National Disaster Division Director issued the orders. A high-level Central team, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, will conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas in both states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh," Bandi Sanjay said.

He further mentioned that, according to the Accountant General's report, Telangana has Rs 1,345 crore in SDRF funds. He emphasised that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government has consistently released its share of the National Disaster Fund and advised the Telangana government to utilise the existing SDRF funds with the state.

He added that Rs 208.40 crore, due in June this year, was not released because the state government failed to submit the utilisation certificate. He said that as soon as the utilisation certificate is submitted, the Centre will be ready to release the pending funds.

Bandi Sanjay also shared a letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to the Telangana Chief Secretary, highlighting the non-submission of the situation report on natural disasters and the requisite documents for releasing the Central share of SDRF.