Jogi sore over Centre’s lukewarm response to drought condition

He said that the Central team, which recently toured the drought-affected areas of the state, submitted its report on Monday last. The Finance Commission, he said, had laid down several conditions to release funds but since the situation is grim, something has to be done urgently.

“We deserve special attention,” he said, adding that he had discussed the matter with Union Agriculture Minister Nitish Kumar and Planning Commission Chairman K.C.Pant.

Jogi is being very cautious in the political front though. Even the most bitter comments from former Union minister Vidya Charan Shukla evince no reaction from him.

“They are very senior leaders and their comments need to be respected,” he says indicating that he would give a very long rope to his opponents.

Jogi admitted that a malaria epidemic had gripped the tribal belt of Bastar, Sarguja and some parts of Raipur. “Government is deeply concerned over it….I am in a position to say that it is more alarming than the drought condition in the state,”Jogi who toured Sarguja day before yesterday said. Commenting on reports that the Madhya Pradesh Government wants to retain Environment Control Board at Bhopal, Jogi said that Chhattisgarh will have its own pollution board.