Indifference of weather in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar holds meeting with officials
Patna (IANS). The indifference of the weather in Bihar has once again started troubling the farmers of the state. Due to lack of rain, the paddy straws that were put in the fields have also come in a state of dryness. Paddy planting has not started properly due to lack of rain in many districts.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the situation arising out of deficient rainfall and directed the officers to provide all possible help to the farmers. In the meeting, the representative of India Meteorological Department informed the Chief Minister about the rainfall situation in the state and said that 85 mm of rainfall was recorded in the month of June this year, which is 48 percent less than the normal rainfall of 163.3 mm. The period from July 1 to July 21 recorded 152.30 mm rainfall, which is 47 per cent less than the normal rainfall of 242.4 mm set for the period.
He said that during the period from June 1 to July 21, 238.3 mm rainfall was recorded, which is 41 percent less than the normal rainfall of 405.7 mm. There is a possibility of light rain between July 21 and July 27.
In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of Disaster Management Department, Pratyay Amrit told that till now there has been normal rainfall in Buxar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur and Araria. Whereas, 26 districts – Siwan, Supaul, Rohtas, Arwal, Katihar, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Banka, Lakhisarai, Bhabhua, Madhubani, Gaya, Jamui, Darbhanga, Sheikhpura, Vaishali, Madhepura, Purnia, Nawada, Jehanabad, Khagaria, Munger, Patna, Nalanda, Gopalganj and Muzaffarpur received less than normal rainfall (-20 to -5 deviation up to 9 percent). There has been deficient rainfall (variation from -60 to -99 percent) in 8 districts of the state, Samastipur, Saharsa, Saran, Begusarai, West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar and Sitamarhi.
Giving instructions in the meeting, the Chief Minister said that every possible help should be provided to the farmers, so that they can get comfortable in agriculture work. There will be no shortage of resources. Disaster victims have the first right on the state exchequer. Agriculture is the basis of livelihood of 75 percent people of the state. Instructed to provide diesel subsidy to farmers for agricultural work and ensure 12-hour power supply for agricultural work. The Water Resources Department was also told to ensure water supply for agriculture till the last end of the canals and continuous monitoring.
He said that the weekly meeting of the Crisis Management Group under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary should be held regularly and keep an eye on the situation. Continuously monitor the implementation of the works being done for water conservation under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan and ensure that there is always availability of drinking water for the people.
He said that all concerned departments should be fully alert. Water Resources Department and Small Water Resources Department should make necessary arrangements for irrigation so that paddy is planted on time. The Disaster Management Authority should also keep an eye on the situation.
