largely rain-parched Jharkhand is soon going to be declared drought affected. It is learnt that reports the Government has sought from all the districts are indicating towards gloomy condition prevailing in most part of the State, except few from Santhal Pargana and Kolhan regions.
The Disaster Management Department, in association with Agriculture Department, has started preparedness to handle the worst-ever drought situation the State has faced in recent times. “We have sought reports from all the Deputy Commissioners and have got from many. The situation is worst in Palamu, Garhwa, latehar, Chatra and in the most parts of North and South Chottanagpur,” Agriculture Minister Randheer Singh told The Pioneer on Sunday.
Reports suggest that in as many as 15 districts of the State paddy plantation has been ruined completely or about to fail in 15-20 more days. In many parts of the regions affected farmers have left all the hopes and started thinking of alternate crops to mitigate the effect even partially.
“The Department is studying the inputs which are not very encouraging. We fear the worst ever situation and are gearing up to handle it as well. As soon as all the reports come, the matter would be discussed at the highest level on priority,” said a senior official of Disaster Management Department.
Most part of the State barring Santhal Pargana received only early showers of monsoon this time way back in July that had even led to flood-like situation in Palamu, Garhwa and latehar. But since then the rainy clouds remained off the State when it needed the most. At present, the situation can be considered under control just in the districts such as Dumka, Sahebganj, Pakur, Deoghar and some parts of Chaibasa.
With the Meteorological Department’s announcement about retreating monsoon clouds from northern and eastern parts of the country, no hope is left for the farmers of the State. “In next 15-20 days and after next Cabinet meeting I would update the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary about the situation. Till then, ground reports from all the districts would also reach to us. Then we would think over whether the entire State is to be declared drought hit or we should go to region wise or district wise,” added the Minister.
Singh also mentioned that the State Government was keeping an eye on the Centre’s report that has identified over 300 districts of the country as drought hit. “We would be examining their assessment as well and find out how many districts are in the list from Jharkhand. The situation is that where we have to work in tandem with the Centre, said he.
The situation has also put other Cabinet Ministers in a tizzy. When contacted, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Saryu Roy and Urban Development Minister CP Singh, both admitted that condition was worst. “It is worrisome. But no such proposal has come before us for discussion so far. Agriculture Department must be keeping a close eye on the situation and I expect the matter would soon come before the Cabinet,” said Saryu Roy.