Telangana yet to submit formal report on damages due to floods: MHA

HYDERABAD: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has urged the Telangana government to expedite the submission of pending situation reports and utilisation certificates required to release the Central Share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). This request comes in light of the ongoing flood situation in the state, which has severely impacted several districts, including Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahbubnagar, Suryapet, Warangal, and Mahabubabad.

In a letter dated September 3, the MHA highlighted that despite significant flooding and heavy rainfall since August 31, the Telangana government has yet to submit the formal situation report required for accessing additional disaster relief funds. The letter noted that while telephonic information was provided by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the official documentation necessary for releasing funds has not been received by the MHA's Control Room.

To assist the state in its flood relief efforts, the Central Government has already deployed seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, boats, and lifesaving equipment to the affected areas. Additionally, two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters have been stationed at Hakimpet, Hyderabad, for rescue operations.

The letter further revealed that as of April 1, 2024, Rs 1,345.15 crore remains available in the Telangana SDRF account for managing relief operations. Despite this, the state has not submitted the required information to release the Central share of SDRF for the current financial year (2024-25). The Ministry reminded the state that the submission of utilisation certificates and up-to-date expenditure statements is mandatory under SDRF guidelines.

Moreover, the MHA pointed out that while Rs 188.80 crore was released to Telangana as the second installment for the 2022-23 fiscal year on July 10, 2023, and Rs 198 crore for both installments of 2023-24 on March 13 and March 28, 2024, the state has yet to request the release of the first installment of Rs 208.40 crore due for 2024-25. The delay is attributed to the absence of the necessary documentation.

The MHA has requested the Telangana government to urgently furnish the requisite utilisation certificates and related documents to enable the release of these pending funds. Additionally, the state has been asked to ensure that SEOC officials regularly submit daily situation reports on natural disasters.