Drought: defunct lift irrigation points to be replaced

Odisha government today said it would soon replace defunct lift irrigation points with new ones and ensure supply of water to agricultural land in view of the drought like situation in 30 blocks of 14 districts.
"We will replace the defunct lift irrigation points and make arrangements to supply water to agricultural lands through various canals and uninterrupted power supply," Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Maheswar Mohanty told reporters.
The drought like situation has prevailed in some pockets of the state due to deficient rainfall during the ongoing monsoon, he told reporters after reviewing the drought like situation at a meeting.

Mohanty said he was not sure whether the situation will improve if there is good rainfall in the next fortnight.
Stating that the state government is closely monitoring the situation, he said the state's priority now is to protect the standing crop.
Mohanty said, a real picture will only emerge after collectors submit panchayat wise reports.
They were asked to submit the reports within a week.
Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout, Food and Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister S N Patro and officials of the water resources department were also present at the review meeting.