Odisha CM asks collectors to be ready for drought situation

56% deficiency in rainfall recorded in 27 of 30 districts in the state

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asked all the district collectors to review the crop situation in their respective districts on regular basis in view of scanty rainfall over most parts of the state.

"It has been decided to review the crop situation on weekly basis at the district level," said P K Mohapatra, special relief commissioner with state government after the review meeting, which was attended by several ministers and top bureaucrats.

As per data provided by local weather office, 27 of the 30 districts have received 56 percent less rainfall than normal in the monsoon season that started on June 1.

In the meeting, the CM directed the Panchayati Raj department to prepare plans in advance for undertaking labour intensive programmes especially in southern and western Odisha. It has been decided to provide additional 50 days work under MGNREGS in Bolangir and Nuapada districts.

While stressing on the availability of loans to farmers at the time of need, Patnaik said crop loans should be disbursed before July 31. The meeting also deliberated on provision of immediate fresh loans to farmers in the event of crop damage and converting short term loans to medium term loans.

The department of Water Resources has been directed to draw plans for maintaining abundant water in reservoirs for irrigation and drinking water purposes. The energy department has been asked to ensure power supply to all existing lift irrigation points.

Officials representing meteorological department informed that there would be some improvement in the situation in July as the state is likely to receive five percent more rainfall than normal.

Apart from preparedness for possible crop loss, Patnaik told the collectors to continue with provision of drinking water through tankers, wherever the situation demanded.