The Indian Meteorological Department has put Jharkhand in a deficient rainfall zone for the second year in succession, though the State Government still waits and watches.
Despite 22 of 24 districts getting less than average rainfall during June-September, there is not even a proposal to declare drought.
The Met Department’s latest data says only East Singhbhum and Godda have received nine and two per cent more rainfall than average this year, respectively.
The remaining districts got far below the average rainfall, with Chatra topping the list. Chatra has received 51 per cent less rain, followed by Garhwa (-42 per cent), Dumka (-41 per cent), Ranchi (-40 per cent) and Giridih (-34 per cent).
“We have not received any such proposal regarding drought. The department had received one proposal in August and we reverted with our opinion,” said Principal Secretary of Finance AP Singh. Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Sukhdeo Singh echoed the statement.
The Cabinet meeting, scheduled for Monday, has also been postponed and the decision left pending.
Scanty rainfall is reflected in an average 32 percent paddy plantation this season. In a similar situation last year, the Government had decided to declare the entire State drought-affected!
Even late showers have not been able to compensate the deficit in paddy-growing districts such as Garhwa, Palamau and most parts of Santhal Pargana, making the situation more grim.
Paddy fields in several parts of the State remained fallow for want of sufficient water forcing the farmers to switch to some alternate crops with no assistance and guidance coming from the Government.
“The situation has forced farmers to migrate in search of jobs and livelihood. We can see large number of labourers coming in search of jobs in the town nowadays. This is a clear sign of severe drought,” said an official in Deputy Commissioner’s office in Palamau.
Agriculture Minister Yogendra Saw, however, remains hopeful of the decision soon. “We have got reports from various districts and we are studying those. These will be put before the Cabinet. As of now, no decision has been taken on declaring drought in the State,” he said.