The ground for the meet up was prepared by PM Modi who wrote to Akhilesh Yadav to discuss drought situation.
Highlights
- PM Modi to meet chief ministers of drought-hit UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka
- Akhilesh Yadav had refused water train sent by Centre for Bundelkhand
- His office had asked for 10,000 tankers to carry water from borewells
After three days of water train politics between the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to discuss water scarcity.
Mr Modi wrote to chief ministers of three drought-hit states - Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka - and has invited them for separate meetings today to discuss the situation.
In his letter to Mr Yadav, PM Modi wrote, "I recently shared with you the water scarcity and drought situation prevailing in some parts of the country... In continuation, I wish to interact with you in person." He then went on to "request" the Uttar Pradesh chief minister to come to his office for a discussion on Saturday morning at 9.45 am.
With Bundelkhand, more than half of which lies in Uttar Pradesh, in the grip of drought and elections less than one year away in the state, the meeting has become crucial. Sources say the government wants to take visible, long-term measures for the region, which is frequently ravaged by drought. But, the ruling Samajwadi Party government in the state is not ready to let the BJP gain ground under its watch.
While the Centre had rushed a water train to the region, it has stayed parked at the Jhansi station. Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti had on Thursday shot off a letter to Mr Yadav asking why the water train demanded by Bundelkhand lawmakers from Madhya Pradesh was rejected. Bundelkhand has 13 districts spread over Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Mr Yadav wrote back saying there is water in the reservoirs in Bundelkhand and the region needs 10,000 tankers for transporting it to regions which are facing stress.
At today's meeting, PM Modi plans to discuss measures for conserving and storing water during the coming monsoon season for the future. Mr Yadav, sources said, will raise state specific demands. He will demand central funds due to the state including Rs 4,700 crore for crop loss due to hail in 2015 and another Rs 1,100 crore for drought.
A state minister, who is in Delhi for the meeting, said, "The Chief Minister will also demand relaxation in (the) state disaster relief fund rules so that the state can decide how to utilise funds for drought relief."