Uttaranchal takes steps to provide drought relief

With drought-like conditions looming large in Uttaranchal, the state government is preparing a plan to provide immediate relief to farmers in view of drought-conditions prevailing in the state despite heavy rains during the past few days.

Following scanty rainfall during the winter period, the government declared 56 tehsils spreading in 11 districts as drought-hit areas and urged the union government to send a central team for the assessment of the situation. Due to the 50 per cent damage to the Rabbi crops, the government had declared these areas drought-hit, top officials said.

The government is also preparing a memorandum to be submitted to the central government regarding the details of the drought-situation in the state and a separate contingency plan to provide succour to farmers. For immediate action, Chief Minister N D Tiwari has sanctioned Rs 27 lakh for drinking water supply and Rs 54 lakh for the repair of damaged hand-pumps in the drought-affected areas of the state. Tiwari also instructed commissioners of both Garhwal and Kumaon regions as well as district magistrates to expedite the relief work in the affected areas.

Tiwari also spoke to Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar in this regard and urged him to send a central team to assess the situation.

Tiwari ordered that revenue collections, including land revenue and irrigation-dues, be stopped in these areas till the coming kharif season. Tiwari also said farmers should not be pressurised for giving bank loan installments, electricity bills and trade tax in view of the prevailing situation.

Significantly, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts, which are the agriculture bowl of the state, have not been affected by the drought-like conditions. "Due to proper irrigation facilities and adequate water supply, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar remained unaffected," said M C Joshi, the additional secretary, disaster management department.

In view of the alarming situation in Tehri and Almora districts, Uttaranchal Jal Sansthan has also prepared a proposal of Rs 16 crore for providing immediate relief to the people in the hills. "In view of the drought-like conditions, we have submitted a proposal to the government for installing new hand-pumps and supplying drinking water through tankers," said Harsh Pati Uniyal, chief general manager of the Jal Sansthan.

Joshi said all the departments as well as district collectors have been told to send the latest report on the situation.

Meanwhile, NCP Uttaranchal President Surya Kant Dhasmana has demanded compensation be given to farmers in view of the drought-like situation. Dhasmana said he would also meet Pawar in this regard.