Union Minister Declines to Declare Telangana Floods as 'National Calamity'

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy announced that the ongoing floods in Telangana will not be declared a 'national calamity.' However, he assured that the Centre will provide necessary aid following an assessment of the damages. The Telangana government is advised to utilize the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy announced on Tuesday that the ongoing floods in Telangana will not be classified as a 'national calamity' despite appeals from the state government. Reddy assured that the Centre would extend all possible assistance to the state.

Reddy emphasized that the Telangana government should first utilize the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to aid flood-stricken citizens. He mentioned that the Central government would allocate additional funds following an assessment visit by Central teams to evaluate the damages.

'It's not about the nomenclature; we are committed to providing relief,' Reddy stated. He noted that the Prime Minister's visit could disrupt relief operations and reassured that PM Modi had extended help to Kerala following similar natural disasters.

(With inputs from agencies.)