The State Government has prepared a special action plan in view of deficit rainfall across the State during this monsoon. “As many as 30 blocks in 15 districts received below-normal rainfall this year. Keeping this in mind, a special action plan has been prepared accordingly in every Pani Panchayat,” said Agriculture Secretary SK Vashishth after attending a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra at the Lok Seva Bhawan here on Monday. The State witnessed deficit rainfall in August. Top officials in the Agriculture Department discussed as to how they would deal with the situation if the rain deficiency continues in next 10 days. “At the meeting, emphasis was laid on three aspects. There was a discussion on how to make the best use of the existing irrigation projects. It was also discussed that agricultural workers will be provided jobs under MGNREGA or other State schemes if necessary.
Further talks will be held at the Pani Panchayat level for revival of lift irrigation projects,” Vashishth told reporters. However, the official denied the reporta of a drought-like situation in the State due to the subdued monsoon. “Currently, we are in a moisture stress condition. And there is no drought situation in the State,” he added.