Odisha CM seeks GP-wise report on drought situation

Bhubaneswar: With as many as 114 blocks in the State being affected due to scanty rainfall between June and September and situation in 25 blocks being acute, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed Collectors to submit Gram Panchayat (GP)-wise reports latest by October 15 after a high-level review meeting held here today.

“Collectors have been asked to submit reports latest by October 15 if crops are affected due to scanty rainfall in any village or its part,” said Bishnupada Sethi, Special Relief Commissioner after the review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister

The State government will take its next step after reports are available.

The Agriculture department has said that the State has recorded 1028.3 mm rainfall this year till date as against the normal rainfall of 1144.3 mm which is 10.01% less than normal.

As many as 148 blocks have received no rains for three consecutive weeks. Around 12 lakh farmers have obtained loans from Cooperative banks for cultivation.

The finance department will appoint a nodal officer for identifying affected farmers and payment of compensation.

“Grassroots-level workers of the Agriculture department have been instructed to assess drought in each and every panchayat. All kinds of preparation are in place. We are waiting for the data. We will certainly take expeditious steps to tackle the problem,” stated Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout, who was also present at the review meeting.