Chief Secretary BP Singh held detailed discussion with the Central Drought Relief Team at Mantralaya on Thursday regarding the status of drought in the state.
On this occasion, Singh informed the team that the arrangements are being made by the state Government through its own resources to provide potable water and employment at local level in drought affected areas.
Several water bodies have been constructed to accumulate water under the 'Pani Roko Abhiyaan' in the state. The Chief Secretary emphasized on the need for fund from the central Government and sanctioning of additional work under MNREGA programme.
Head of Centre Drought Relief Team, PK Borthakur said that drought situation is serious in districts of the state. Status of potable water is more serious.
There is a need for preparations and proper arrangements for drinking water. Also arrangements should be made to ensure benefit of the crop insurance to the farmers on time.
Additional Chief Secretary Panchayat and Rural Development Radheshyam Julania said that due to non availability of funds under MNREGA, wages are not being paid in rural areas. It is also not possible to take up new works. Principal Secretary, Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Rajesh Rajora informed that arrangements are being made to give claim amount to the farmers at the earliest under the crop insurance scheme.
Principal Secretary Revenue Arun Pandey informed that the ten-member central drought relief team visited various districts to assess drought situation in the state. Joint Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture PK Borthakur visited Vidisha besides Tikamgarh and two other groups toured Sagar, Damoh and Gwalior-Shivpuri districts.
The central drought relief team apprised about the crop loss during visit to the agriculture fields.
The team also observed dried ponds, wells and hand pumps. The team members while meeting members of Panchayat and cooperative societies beside farmers and labourers gathered information on the drought.