Following deficient rainfall of nearly 20 percent below average during the monsoon this season in the state, severe drought-like conditions have emerged. In view of this, the Bhajan Lal Sharma government has declared 87 tehsils across 15 districts of the state as drought-affected and announced a special relief package of ₹9,321 crore.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma chaired a high-level review meeting of the Disaster Management and Civil Defence Department at the Chief Minister's Office. During this, Chief Secretary V. Srinivas, Additional Chief Secretary Akhil Arora and A. Sawant along with several senior officials were present.

Tehsils divided into severe and moderate categories

According to data released by the government, out of the 87 affected tehsils, 73 areas have been considered severely drought-affected, while the remaining 14 tehsils have been placed in the moderately drought-affected category. Agriculture and animal husbandry face the biggest crisis in these regions.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to give top priority to relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. They have also been asked to maintain constant contact with the district administration to regularly monitor the situation.

Emphasis on drinking water, fodder and employment

In the meeting, the Public Health Engineering Department was directed to prepare a contingency plan to tackle the drinking water crisis. Water supply will be ensured through transport in areas facing acute water scarcity. Additionally, the Energy Department has been ordered to issue electricity connections to agricultural tube wells on a priority basis.

For the convenience of livestock owners, fodder depots will be operated in low-rainfall districts and adequate arrangements for fodder and water will be made through gaushalas. The Rural Development Department has been asked to enhance livelihood avenues through VB-G Ram Ji, Rajeevika and housing schemes.

Things to keep in mind for you

  • Affected farmers should keep an eye on the girdawari process to assess Kharif crop damage.
  • Livestock owners can avail fodder and water assistance through nearby fodder depots or gaushalas.
  • In case of drinking water problems, take advantage of the local Public Health Engineering Department's contingency plan.
  • Connect with the VB-G Ram Ji and Rajeevika schemes for employment in rural areas.

The government has issued instructions to distribute compensation and relief amounts as soon as possible based on the girdawari report of Kharif crop damage, so that farmers can get timely financial support.