NEW DELHI, MAY 11. More than Rs. 400 crores have been released so far from the Calamity Relief Fund for States suffering from drought. Vulnerable sections like children, pregnant and lactating women, and destitute and infirm people have been given special attention, including payment of cash from the Fund and old-age pension scheme of the Central Government.

This was disclosed to the Drought Management Group headed by the Cabinet Secretary here today when it met to review the drought situation in States.

States suffering from drought conditions have identified at least one reliable source near each habitation or have located some other reliable supply point where no such source exists under a contingency plan of the Central Government. Besides, States have also benefited from the railway's special efforts to transport water, especially to vulnerable areas.

The drought-affected States reported that despite the intensity of the problem, it was under control. These include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

The consensus of the group was that food-for-work programme which generated employment had played a key role in containing hardship among the worst affected people. The programme had resulted in creation of durable assets like village ponds, irrigation tanks, channels and buildings. Foodgrains had been provided as part payment to the workers under this programme. So far, around 12 crore mandays had been created and 2.5 million families had benefited. The Centre had released more than 11 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost to State Governments for this purpose.

With relaxation in norms of schemes for rural water supply by the Department of Drinking Water Supply, substantial fund flows had been ensured to enable States not only to create sources of water but also rejuvenate and strengthen existing ones. The meeting claimed that the fodder position was comfortable and no cattle death had been reported. Railways have also extended help to transport fodder and drinking water free of cost.

NEW DELHI, MAY 11. Taking a cue from the students group of ``We for Yamuna'', a month-long campaign is likely to be launched by the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dikshit, to clean up the banks of the river on June 1.

This will be the first major effort involving the public at large in cleaning up the banks. Generally covered by filth, the bank is stinking and dirty needs to be urgently cleaned, observed officials of the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi after a three-hour morning visit of the area today.

``This is our effort not only to involve the public but also sensitise them on the issue of cleaning the Yamuna. It is not only the drain and sewage water that needs to be treated, but also the banks, officials commented.

As per tentative details of the campaign, for the first five days the Government would be actively involved in the clean up operation. ``For the rest it will be handed over to the public. The government will only be the facilitator,'' said an official.

Besides involving government officials and politicians, elected representatives and celebrities from the Capital, along with a large number of non-governmental organisations and resident welfare associations are likely to participate.

Under the campaign, people will offer ``Shramdaan'' to clean up the garbage and filth that has come up on the Yamuna bank, be it near Wazirabad or ISBT on its western embankment or eastern embankment, officials said.

The initiative comes in the wake of Supreme Court's recent directive that the Yamuna should be made bathable by 2003. Officials argued that the government alone could not achieve such a ``gigantic goal'' until and unless Delhi-ites were actively involved and people were sensitised on the issue.

Thus far, a small group of students, who have volunteered to form ``We for Yamuna'' have been canvassing for the operation. There have been days when these dozen-odd students go on the banks and start cleaning up with their hands. But this will be for the first time that an attempt is being made for mass level participation.