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Damage being assessed, say Hooda

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda

CHANDIGARH: Damage caused to the standing crops due to rains and hailstorm which lashed some areas in Haryana over the past few days is being checked, State Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said here on Sunday.

“We are assessing the damage (to the crops),” Hooda told reporters in Panchkula after paying obeisance at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine on the occasion of first say of Chaitra Navratra.

Unseasonal rains in the region during the past three days have caused damage to crops, particularly wheat crop, whose harvesting was to reach its peak over the next one week.

In reply to a question, Mr Hooda said that he would urge the Centre to give bonus on wheat to farmers.

In reply to a question concerning by-elections to three seats of the State Assembly which have fallen vacant recently due to the disqualification of three rebel Congress MLAs including former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, he said that the Congress Party was prepared and it would win all the three seats.

On the failure of the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre for allegedly failing to check the rise in the prices commodities, Mr Hooda said “...steps are being taken to deal with the issue of inflation.”

Mr Hooda said that more facilities would be added for pilgrims at the shrine complex at Panchkula and these included magnificent “sarovar” and a car parking.

A large number of pilgrims had queued since morning to pay obeisance at the shrine.

Mr Hooda said that Rs 11 crore has already been spent by Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board on various developmental works and Rs four crore were being incurred to add more facilities.

The Chief Minister, who was amongst the first few to pay obeisance at the shrine, said that he prayed for the prosperity of the people in the country.

“I prayed for brighter future of the people,” he added.

The use of polythene bags has been banned in the shrine area and use of bags made of paper, jute and cloth is being promoted. New stairs have been constructed near Sati Temple.

About 35 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine complex every year to pay their obeisance. - PTI

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