LUCKNOW, June 25, 2013: Expressing his deep concern for the flood-ravaged regions of Uttarakhand, chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said his government will do everything to help the persons affected by the Himalayan tsunami. At a function to distribute free laptops to students in Firozabad, Akhilesh said the UP government promised financial aid of Rs 25 crore to the Uttarakhand government. He said all support will be provided in future as well. The chief minister also said the Samajwadi Party government had sent in reinforcements in the form of government officials and transport towards relief and rescue work.

Saying that the state government had taken steps to assist the stranded tourists of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh said tourists and pilgrims from UP affected by the calamity, were being identified by the district magistrates concerned. On Monday, Akhilesh also said the state was mulling over an airport for Firozabad district, but assured the people that farmers would not be harassed over acquisition of fertile farmland. He said the Samajwadi Party was working hard to fulfill all the promises it made in the poll manifesto, including ensuring farmers' produce was purchased at fair price, distributing 'kanya vidya dhan' for higher education among girls and giving unemployment doles to people. The chief minister also laid the foundation stone for several education-related projects in Firozabad. He inaugurated a privately-owned trauma centre in Firozabad district.

The CM took a dig at former Mayawati government alleging it of wasting state funds, but the SP regime was utilising money for the welfare of the people. He said the incumbent government was working on providing free irrigation facilities to farmers and accident insurance up to Rs 5 lakh.

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 25, 2013.