Monday, September 11 2006 18:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jaipur: Accusing the BJP Government in Rajasthan of 'failing' to extend relief to flood-affected people in the state, Pradesh Congress Committee president Dr B D Kalla today (Sept 11, 2006)alleged that at least 37 villages in Sanchore tehsil of Jalore district were still flooded.

"No government aid has reached these villages till date and villagers are desperate to procure potable water," he said.

The PCC had provided potable water and other relief material to the affected villagers, Dr Kalla said at a press conference here.

He said despite having Rs 1,050 crore at its disposal, received from National Calamity Relief Fund, the state government had not spent it to extend relief to the affected people and whatever little it had done was insufficient.

The Congress leader said people in Barmer's worst flood-affected areas were still living in the open in the absence of adequate tents and temporary shelters.

Dr Kalla, who toured the affected areas, alleged Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was 'untraceable' when Barmer villages were inundated, and did not go to flood-affected places even after two visits there.

He said compensation announced by the Rajasthan government was not distributed properly to those who lost their kin and whose houses were washed away by floodwater, adding that reports about corruption in ex-gratia distribution were rampant.

The Congress leader said villagers claimed 250 to 300 people were still missing in Jaisalmer and Barmer districts.