Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 9 (ANI): Congress MP Imran Masood on Saturday strongly criticised Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan for his controversial remarks regarding the natural calamities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

The controversy has erupted after Hasan associated the Uttarakhand floods with 'religious intolerance' and deforestation.

Speaking to ANI, Masood said that only mentally disturbed people can make such controversial statements.

'Mentally disturbed people make such statements. They should fear Allah. They should not say things that spread hatred...' Masood told ANI.

Hasan had earlier stated that apart from 'religious intolerance', natural calamities were also happening in these states due to deforestation.

'It is not just cloud bursts. There are other natural calamities occurring. The reason for this is that our ecosystem has been badly damaged. Our forests are being cut down indiscriminately. Secondly, we all believe in our creator, whether we are Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian. The places where the Almighty is worshipped, whether it is a mosque, dargah or temple, bulldozers should not be run on them. You may get them vacated, but let them remain standing like this,' Hasan told ANI.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made two important announcements for the rehabilitation and relief of the people affected by the recent disaster in Dharali village of Uttarkashi district.

According to a release by the Chief Minister's Office, Dhami has announced that immediate assistance of Rs. 5 lakh each will be provided for the rehabilitation of those whose houses have been completely damaged or destroyed by the disaster in village Dharali, Tehsil Bhatwadi, District Uttarkashi. Apart from this, the families of those who died in the disaster will also be given an assistance amount of Rs 5 lakh each, so that they can get financial support in this difficult time.

The Chief Minister has announced the formation of a three-member committee for rehabilitation, overall revival, and strengthening of the sustainable livelihood of the villagers affected by the disaster. This committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Revenue, which will submit its preliminary report to the government within a week. (ANI)