CM wants panchayat-wise drought report

Bhubaneswar,
October 3, 2017: With less rainfall during this monsoon affecting many parts of
the State and threatening to impact crops and agriculture, Chief Minister
Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting and took stock of the
situation here at the State Secretariat.

The CM directed
district Collectors to assess the crop situation panchayat-wise in their
districts and submit a detailed report by October 15 without fail.

The state
has received 10.1 percent less rainfall this season between June and September
and 114 blocks have been affected.

The CM directed
officials to give top priority to protection of crops and agriculture in
affected areas.

“All lift
irrigation points should be immediately functionalized and canal water managed
with proper planning for full utilization by farmers. MNREGA projects should be
intensified to ensure adequate work and livelihood for people,” the CM directed.

“We will do
everything to protect our farmers from the natural calamity. A comprehensive
drought assessment will be made by 30th October after receiving ground reports
from Collectors. All steps will be taken to mitigate the problems of the
farmers,” said the CM.

Revenue and
Disaster Management Minister Maheswar Mohanty, Cooperation Minister Surjya
Narayan Patro, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi among top bureaucrats attended
the meeting.