congress-urges-centre-for-200-cr-grant-after-hailstorm-hits-manipur

The Congress party in Manipur has appealed to the central government to allocate a minimum of Rs 200 crore for the residents of the state affected by a severe hailstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall, urging the declaration of the calamity as a "national disaster".

On May 5, the hailstorm caused extensive damage, affecting over 15,400 houses and hectares of agricultural land. In response, the state government released Rs 6.90 crore for relief efforts.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, State Congress President K Meghachandra emphasized the urgency of declaring the unprecedented hailstorm as a natural disaster and providing immediate relief funds.

Meghachandra highlighted that the scale of the disaster surpassed any previous incidents in the state's history.

During a press conference near the residence of an affected family in Imphal West district, Meghachandra questioned the state government's approach to the situation, expressing dissatisfaction with the allocated relief funds.

He accused the state government of failing to adequately inform the Centre about the gravity of the situation.

In response, Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured that the government would compensate farmers for their losses and ensure the prompt delivery of reconstruction materials to affected households within four days.