Click to play videoThe situation in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka is grim. The flood has claimed 200 lives and many have been left homeless, it's perhaps the worst flood to have hit the two states in over 100 years. CNN-IBN spoke to Karnataka Home Minister Dr V S Acharya who accompanied Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Congress President Sonia Gandhi in an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas.
CNN-IBN: You were with Sonia Gandhi and P Chidambaram on Monday. What are the assurances you have got from them in tackling the flood?
Dr V S Acharya: I was with them for an aerial survey of areas like Raichur, we took the occasion to discuss with them the huge loses and place before them, the interim assessment of the loses. It was an evaluation of gross losses and the details will follow. The estimated loss in Karnataka alone is Rs 5,000 crore. We have to rebuild roads, bridges and such other things.
CNN-IBN: The estimated loss in Karnataka alone is Rs 5,000 crore. You want Rs10,000 crore for relief from the Government. Do you think you will get such a huge amount? Are you asking too much from the Centre at the moment?
Dr V S Acharya: No that is the estimated loss, it is the interim report. Now it's on the government to assess the loss and give a portion from that.
CNN-IBN: How bad is the situation particularly in Raichur and Bellary?
Dr V S Acharya: Right now the rescue operation has concluded. Relief is going in from the camps. Next task is rehabilitation, which is a big issue. Also, rebuilding of infrastructure is another issue.
CNN-IBN: There are allegations that the Karnataka government woke up after 72 hours. You were busy in Mysore at an RSS chintan baithak (brain storming) till Friday. After that you rushed to flood-hit areas. Do you think the operation of the rescue could have been faster?
Dr V S Acharya: This is an irrelevant question now because even Andhra Pradesh could not do much. I don't want to comment on anybody but this question is not relevant now.
CNN-IBN: Karnataka is an Opposition-ruled state and there's Congress at the Centre. Are you getting full support from the Centre? Can Centre-state coordination be expected at least when it comes to flood relief?
Dr V S Acharya: We are part of the country, the Centre has to help us. We have asked other people to come forward and help. Many sectors have agreed to help and be a part of the rehabilitation programme.
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