Amit Shah reviews El Niño rainfall deficit, flood damage

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met to discuss the impact of below-normal rainfall in some parts of the country, which has been linked to El Niño. Senior officials from important ministries, such as the Home Secretary and Agriculture Secretary, were also present.

Shah said the Government is monitoring the low rainfall and the risk of drought in affected areas. He told the Ministry of Agriculture and other related ministries to work with State Governments and guide farmers on which crops to plant. Shah also asked the Department of Water Resources to monitor reservoir levels nationwide and suggested focusing on crops that require less water, such as fodder, millets, and pulses.

The Home Minister asked the Secretary of the Power Ministry to ensure a steady and sufficient supply of electricity. Officials told him that there are enough stocks of important food grains like rice and wheat, and that prices are stable.

The Home Minister told the Inter-Ministerial Central Team from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rain, floods, and landslides. Assam has seen floodwaters rise across several districts, and Arunachal Pradesh has faced landslides and road blockages. The team’s visit will help determine the extent of damage to infrastructure, farms, and homes.

Secretaries from important departments, including Agriculture, Water Resources, Consumer Affairs, Fisheries, Environment, Power, Rural Development, and Science and Technology, attended the meeting. Representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority, the India Meteorological Department, the Central Water Commission, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and the National Remote Sensing Centre were also present.