Drought situation in Garhwa is not a new phenomenon for its residents. Almost every year, farmers are facing drought in the district but no concrete action has been taken despite crores of rupees spent every year in the name of irrigation.
Nature seems to have again turned against Garhwa district this year with half of the paddy crops over the region has received less than 69 per cent of normal rainfall.
According to Agriculture Department, district received only 144.7 mm rainfall against the expected 501.2 mm. It is 28.9 per cent of average rainfall. Due to less rain, only 2.74 per cent planting of paddy crops is reported in the
district. The target was planting of paddy crops was 54 thousand hectare.In the absence of average rain Bhadai crops like maize oil seeds has also damaged. The situation has worsened in Meral, Dandai, Garhwa, Manjhiaon block area where less rainfall has been received. Due lack of rainfall, 40 per cent Bhadai crops have been damaged.
The situation of irrigation projects in the district is in a deplorable state. Dams situated at Meral, Dandai, Manjiaon blocks of Minor Irrigation are not in good condition. These dams including Jaharsarai dam, lawahi dam and Khajuri dam are in bad State. The gates of the dams and canals are also in very bad situation.
Garhwa DC Sudhanshu Bhushan Burwar said that he has directed to the Disaster Management department to assess the situation and carry out relief if needed. The DC informed that he held a meeting with Agriculture Officer to assess the situation.