Chhattisgarh declares over 62% tehsils drought-hit

State's energy dept had been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply to irrigation pumps

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet on Tuesday declared 96 tehsils of the 149 in the state's 21 districts as drought hit.

“The decision was taken on the basis of the report submitted by the district authorities regarding Kharif crop output,” state government spokesperson said. The district authorities had prepared the report based on the visual assessment of the crop yield.

The state government had swung into action to deal with the situation arising out of drought. The spokesperson said a number of measures had been taken to give respite to the farmers, who would be worst affected.

“The local administration had been directed to immediately start employment oriented and relief work in the affected areas,” the spokesperson said, adding that the affected people would be granted 200 days work instead of 100 days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Act (MGNEGA).

A proposal seeking an extension of work days would be sent to the Centre. The state government would also send a memorandum to the Union government briefing about the drought condition.

The energy department had been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply for the irrigation pumps. The compensation and the crop insurance benefits to the farmers would be provided only after getting the final assessment report of crop damage.

The farmers facing famine would be provided rice as the village panchayat of the affected areas had been directed to stock sufficient quantity of rice and supply one quintal to each affected person.