Officials asked to be prepared for drought in Jharkhand

With most parts of Jharkhand recording deficit rainfall, the state government has instructed departments to be prepared for a drought, if the current trend continues.

In an emergency meeting convened on Monday, Chief Secretary D K Tiwari asked officials to meet farmers and prepare a strategy to provide them with relief materials as per their requirements, within a week, an official release said here.

According to MeT office data, the state has recorded a rainfall deficit of 45 per cent this year.

The rainfall received in the state from June 1 to July 22 was 238.6 mm, as against the normal rainfall of 431.2 mm.

Chatra, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Godda, Pakur, Ranchi, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Khunti districts are among the most affected by the rain deficit, the release said.

However, the scanty rain has affected almost the entire state, it said.

The chief secretary has asked all the district deputy commissioners to ensure availability of seeds and fertilisers to the farmers asking them to cultivate less water-intensive crops.

Tiwari also directed the MGNREGA commissioner to ensure employment for residents of villages, where cultivation has been affected due to less rain.

He instructed the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide the deputy commissioners with Rs 350 crore, within a week, for distribution of relief.

He also asked the officials to complete preparations for providing drinking water, if the need arises.