Tricky monsoon: UP braces for drought and floods

The state has seen above normal, normal and below normal rainfall depending upon the different regions

Uttar Pradesh is bracing up to deal with both flood and drought situations in monsoon, which is already halfway through the current season.

While on one hand, UP is making provisions for drought resistant seeds and irrigation in the event of drought, the government also is keeping its flood relief and rescue machinery on alert to overcome potential floods.

So far, the monsoon has been above normal, normal and below normal depending upon the different regions of the state.

UP chief secretary Alok Ranjan has directed officials to ensure alacrity in responding to such situations, so that there is no shortage of relief material. He has warned against any laxity in providing succour to the affected people.

Reviewing a crisis management meeting here last evening, he directed for amending 'canal roster' to ensure water supply for crops sown in districts getting below normal rains. The electricity supply to the state-run and private owned tube wells would also be ensured.

He has directed for deployment of trained home guards in flood affected areas. The personnel would be equipped with modern communication paraphernalia to effectively deal with crisis situation.

Heavy rainfall and rivers swollen with water from its catchments, including Nepal, bring floods in eastern UP every year causing massive damage to both life and property. There is forecast of heavy rainfall in the eastern parts of UP in the next 2-3 days.

During floods, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) whould be deployed in difficult terrains for rescue operations. Adequate stock of ration, kerosene oil and diesel would be maintained to deal with any calamity.

For crop loss, application of National Agriculture Crop Insurance scheme and weather based crop insurance scheme would be ensured. UP Relief Commissioner is the state nodal officer for the relief and rescue operations during such crisis.