CM releases Rs. 140-cr. to meet drought situation

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 26. Painting a grim picture of the monsoon failure and its impact on kharif operations, the Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, announced release of Rs 140 crores and outlined steps to meet the situation.

He told a news conference on Thursday that he spoke to his Karnataka counterpart, Mr. S. M. Krishna, seeking immediate release of Krishna waters from the Alamatti and Narayanpur reservoirs. A status report on the adverse seasonal conditions would be sent to the Government of India for financial assistance and supply of rice under food for work free of cost.

The releases included Rs 32 crores for drinking water supply in rural and urban areas, Rs 50 crores under wage employment schemes like EAS and JGSY, Rs 11 crores being State share of crop insurance scheme and another Rs 27 crores from the Government of India. He said 62,000 tonnes of rice was available for distribution at Rs 6.40 a kg at 20 kg per family to the ration card holders.

He was guarded over the response of Mr. Krishna, saying the latter had promised to consider his request. Senior irrigation officials of the two States were in touch.

Mr. Naidu has also scheduled an all-party meeting on July 30 to discuss the issue. He parried a question on convening the Assembly.

The State recorded 35 per cent deficit rainfall so far (June 1 to July 25) this kharif, Rayalaseema region had minus 72 per cent rainfall, Prakasam district topped with a 75 per cent deficit. As many as 911 mandals ( 81 per cent) had less rainfall. Position in the upper reaches of the Godavari and the Krishna and in the reservoirs was not encouraging either.

Crop coverage was a dismal 39 per cent of normal, being a mere 22.41 lakh hectares, against 37.41 lakh ha this time last kharif. Paddy and groundnut were hit hard. Release of water under Nagarjunasagar was delayed on account of poor levels. As an emergency, water was released from Srisailam by opening river sluice (without power generation). The continued dry spell impacted on power generation too. Hydel units were idle even as demand peaked. Drinking water shortage was being felt in some municipal areas.

Mr. Chandrababu Naidu said contingency plan was formulated and readied for grounding, particularly in Cuddapah, Chittoor, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Medak and Ranga Reddy districts. Plantation was being staggered to lessen pressure on water and early rabi crop encouraged in black soils. Direct seeding of short duration varieties and constant monitoring of pest incidence were also advised. Adequate seed stocks were available.

He said the State had best communication facilities and they would be utilised to keep the farmer constantly informed, educated and guided in criticial times. The State Government would consider hiring `c' band for 90 days to directly communicate with farmers.

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Section  : Southern States
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