Sanction of the Central Government is accorded, as a special case, for the transportation of fodder and water by rail, free of charge, to the notified drought affected districts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.  The material will be transported on the condition that the consignment is booked by a District Magistrate and consigned to the District Magistrate of a notified drought affected district of these States subject to the condition that the fodder and water so transported will be distributed to the people of drought affected areas under the supervision of the authorities of the State Government of these States.

2.         The facility of transportation of fodder and water, free of charge, to the drought affected districts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu is permitted with immediate effect and will remain valid upto 14.06.2004 (Fourteenth June Two Thousand Four). The zonal railways will move these consignments on priority subject to operational feasibility.  

3.         The consignments will be booked solely at Owner’s Risk, and no claim for any loss or damage to the consignments carried under this special arrangement will be entertained.

4.          Fodder under this scheme will include items viz. Bhoosa, Chari, Hay, Kirby Kutti(Kutter), Straw and Grass Dry (NOC). The consignor(s)/consignee(s) will ensure potability of the water transported under this facility. 

5.          Special care shall be taken by the Railway’s Traffic Accounts Office for maintenance of separate accounts for such bookings. Railways will ensure submission of monthly report for the traffic booked and freight forgone to Board’s office by 15^th of the following month as per the procedure laid down in Board’s letter No.2003/ACII/45/5 dated 07.08.03. 

 6.         This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate in the Ministry of Railways.   
7.          Necessary action may please be taken and receipt of the letter acknowledged.