'Monsoon good so far, govt still ready with contingency plan'

The government is ready with a contingency plan despite an above normal monsoon so far, and Agriculture Ministry has been asked to take care of any situation if rains remain deficient going forward, Minister of Science & Technology Y S Chowdary said today.
"Monsoon definitely not only revived but it is very encouraging. In few pockets, there may have some issues but across the country it is going to be very good.
"Government is ready with contingency plan in some states. We have already informed the Agriculture Ministry to take care (of that). And by and large is it very positive now," Chowdary said on the sidelines of an event organised by Yes Bank promoted Yes Institute that works towards attracting funds for social innovation.

Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted deficient rains for the June-September season this year.
However, private firm Skymet has predicted an above normal monsoon.
Chowdary said the Ministry has many areas under its ambit, including power saving, solar, structural design, green energy and landscape.

"In the Ministry, we have many areas, power saving, solar, structural design, all these areas are very crucial. We can participate in many areas from green energy to landscape. Our Ministry has a very broad spectrum.
"We are seriously thinking of creating smart cities and science cities. So every smart city can be attached with the science city. In the area of science and technology we can inspire lot of young people to get involved," he said.

The Minister also said that the government is thinking of connecting with various countries on a collaborative working model to work towards these goals.
He said the government wants to focus on green energy.
"Particularly in power sector they want to reduce the usage of fossil fuels. It's a long term plan. Softbank (of Japan) is a great initiative," he added.
Two days earlier, Japan's SoftBank Corp had committed an investment of USD 20 billion for setting up solar power projects in India in partnership with domestic telecom giant Bharti Enterprises and Taiwan's Foxconn.