An inter-Ministerial team deputed by the Central government to take stock of the prevailing drought conditions in the State has found the situation grave and promised to recommend maximum compensation for crop losses and damage to livelihood.
The delegation comprising officials from various Central government departments arrived in Kochi on Wednesday and split into two to visit six districts. They will complete the tour on Thursday and on Friday will hold discussions with Ministers and top officials in Thiruvananthapuram.
Addressing a review meeting at Kozhipara, near Walayar, in Palakkad after visiting various drought-affected areas of the district, team leader and Agriculture Ministry joint secretary Ashwin Kumar said the team was convinced of the fact that Palakkad was reeling under extreme drought.
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The district administration has sought a relief package of ₹304.35 crore from the Central funds to tackle drought. The team visited Mangalam dam, Muthalamada, Kollangode, Madampara, and Chulliyar to inspect the depleting water level in the irrigation dams. The team led by Mr. Kumar will also visit Malappuram, and Wayanad districts.
Meanwhile, the team led by NITI Ayog Deputy Adviser Manesh Chowdhury visited the Peringakulam mobile water filter unit, Nettissery paddy fields, Kolazhy water kiosk and the Bharathapuzha.
At a review meeting at Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur Collector A. Koushigan explained that one-third of the population in Thrissur district was affected by drought.
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