Less than average rain in five C'garh districts

With five of the 27 districts in Chhattisgarh receiving less than average rainfall so far, the state government has asked officials to ensure water supply for standing crops and allow pumping of water from rivers.
"Chief Minister Raman Singh has instructed the officials to allow farmers to draw water from rivers and rivulets for kharif crops through pumps in the districts where the rainfall is deficient," a government spokesperson said here today.
Singh issued the instructions in a video conference with district collectors last evening. Rains, sowing of kharif crops, distribution of fertilisers and seeds, water levels in reservoirs, electricity for irrigation, etc., were discussed during the meeting, the official said.

Districts of Korea, Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Balod and Gariyaband have received less than average rain this season. The state has registered 599.5 mm of rainfall so far.
"The rainfall is satisfactory in most parts but the collectors have been asked to prepare exigency plans as a precautionary measure," an official said.
In the five districts with scanty rainfall, power supply to farm pumps should be ensured, the Chief Minister said.
Officials of Meteorological Department informed in the meeting that the state may receive heavy rainfall on August 12 and 13 as a low pressure area was developing.