Bhopal: The Anna Utsav scheduled to launch tomorrow has been cancelled in all flood affected areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to launch Anna Utsav (Foodgrain Festival) in Madhya Pradesh tomorrow. Organised by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, the festival was set to grant free ration from 25,435 fair price shops from across the state.

“No celebration will take place in the flood affected areas. Only foodgrains shall be granted in these regions. Efforts are made to grant 10 kg rice and 50 kg wheat”, said the CM in the cabinet meeting today. 

Further, MP government also decided to give Rs 4 lakh as compensation to families of victims who have lost lives in floods. Those who have lost their homes amid floods shall receive Rs 1,20,000 as one-time compensation. Besides, families whose houses have been damaged may receive a monthly allowance of Rs. 6000.

Earlier on Thursday, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued an ‘orange’ alert forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in six districts of Madhya Pradesh and a ‘yellow’ alert forecasting heavy rainfall in 17 other districts. With this, the cabinet also formed a Task Force including 11 state departments to begin work of relief and rehabilitation in the flood affected regions of the state.