More than 3.15 lakh hectares of land in 70 blocks of 15 districts across the State are affected by drought. Of the 15 districts, Balangir, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Boudh and Nuapada are the worst-affected with Balangir in top of the list with 14 blocks followed by Bargarh with 10 blocks, said Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Maheswar Mohanty here on Tuesday.
“This was estimated by a field survey. The concerned line departments’ officials will again meet on October 27, following which a final report will be submitted to the Chief Minister. Subsequently, a drought assistance package for the affected districts will be announced,” the Minister said.
Mohanty further said the Government would declare the drought package earlier than previous years. “Without waiting for the crop cutting report, the State Government will announce assistance much earlier on the basis filed by the survey,” he added.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said the Government has received drought reports from the district Collectors and is examining the reports, following which it would declare the drought-hit areas by October 30.
“The reports are being analysed. Nothing has been finalised yet. The deadline for announcing drought-affected areas is October 30,” Sethi stated.
Earlier, a team of representatives led by the SRC had visited Nuapada and Balangir districts to review the drought situation resulting in massive crop damage.