PM may announce long-term measures to tackle drought

After consulting the states affected by drought this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to announce several long-term measures to tackle the problem soon, sources in the government said.

“The PM has completed consultations with 11 Chief Ministers of drought-hit states. There is a general mood in the country for long-term measures to tackle drought. He is likely to make some major announcements,” a source said, adding that some time-bound measures to deal with the problem are on the cards.

In the Union Cabinet meeting scheduled on Wednesday, the PM is likely to share with his ministerial colleagues what he discussed with the 11 Chief Ministers. The performance of the ministries of agriculture and water resources vis-a-vis drought policies and water management may also figure in the Cabinet discussion.

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had on May 18 urged the drought-hit states to periodically review water shortage and prepare action plans on a weekly basis.

“The PM met 11 Chief Ministers and heard them and their officials about water scarcity and drought plaguing their respective states. Now, suggestions are being examined and some policy-level decisions may be taken,” the source added.

In his ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio broadcast on Sunday, Modi had said: “Many states have undertaken wonderful efforts to mitigate the drought.” He also appreciated the use of technology by Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh in dealing with drought.

In their meetings with Modi, at least three Chief Ministers – N Chandrababu Naidu (Andhra Pradesh), Raghubar Das (Jharkhand) and Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra) – suggested that “instead of adhocism as was tried so far, there is need for some long-term measures”. “The NDA government is committed to drought-free India and is working on a roadmap to achieve it in smooth and active coordination with the states,” the source said.