A possible drought looms large in several districts as Jharkhand is experiencing one of the worst monsoon seasons in recent years.
As per Ranchi Meteorological Centre, all the 24 districts received less than normal rainfall since June 1 and the state recorded 38 per cent rain deficit till Thursday.
As per MET department East and West Singhbhum districts with 3 and 8 per cent rain deficit were treated as within normal range as the deficit was below 20 per cent. While five of the remaining 22 — Chatra, Godda, Jamtara, Pakur and Sahebganj — with over 60 per cent deficit were considered as receiving scanty rainfall, the other 17 received deficit rainfall ranging between 24 and 57 per cent. Though the met office forecast the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in some parts of Jharkhand on Friday and Saturday due to a possible depression, the scenario may not change dramatically.
Due to scanty rainfall, there is drought-like situation in as many as 180 blocks of the state. This figure may increase or decrease in the future. In view of the drought situation, a high-level meeting was called under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh.
The Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts to work expeditiously on the registration of all the farmers through the Crop Relief Scheme. He directed that all the documents of farmers should be verified before registration.
The Chief Secretary gave tasks to the Deputy Commissioners on many other plans. It has come to the fore in the meeting that the possibility of drought has increased in Jharkhand.
Sources said that in comparison to the paddy crop in 18 lakh hectares of the state, only 30 per cent has been planted so far this time.
Looking at the condition of the monsoon, it is believed that this time 60 per cent less food grains will be produced therefore in such a situation the department is working on alternative farming.
There is a process to declare districts or blocks as dry areas. In view of the situation, for declaring drought, the criteria set by the central government will have to be fulfilled first and after that the list of affected blocks will be sent to the Disaster Management Department.
The central team will visit the identified block and district to declare drought. After that they will prepare the survey report. It is clear that Jharkhand is on the path of drought, but it will take time to make an official announcement.