PM reviews drought in Andhra, Chhattisgarh

The PM also directed setting up of a task force to comprehensively study the economic impact of drip irrigation in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. He said the proposed task force should take into consideration various parameters such as water saving, productivity and savings in terms of reduced input costs in labour, fertiliser and pesticides, official sources said. 

Presiding over the meeting on drought and water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh in presence of state Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, among others, Modi appreciated the state government’s efforts in micro-irrigation. 

The meeting was informed that Rs 315.95 crore was released to Andhra Pradesh under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after adjustments of the state balances. This is in addition to Rs 330 crore released as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16 to the state. About Rs 173.25 crore more has been released as first installment of SDRF for 2016-17. 

Naidu narrated the state’s efforts in building check dams, reviving lift irrigation schemes and deploying mobile sprinkler units (rain guns) as part of the drought mitigation effort. The CM also talked about the state’s progress in micro-irrigation and informed that a target of 20 lakh hectares for micro-irrigation by 2022 has been set up. 

Naidu appreciated the PM for his initiatives of neem-coating of urea and the assistance of Rs 1,500 per tonne offered for compost made from the municipal solid waste. 

The PM also chaired a high-level meeting on drought and water scarcity in parts of Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Raman Singh and other senior officials attended the meeting.

An amount of Rs 835.695 crore has been released to the state under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after adjustments of the state balances. Singh informed the PM about the water conservation measures initiated by his government. 

These include desilting of 8,055 water bodies and farm ponds, construction of 44,181 new farm ponds and construction of 9,851 groundwater recharge structures. The drought relief measures initiated in the state include provision of drinking water and foodgrains in each village, the official source said. 

Singh said one quintal of rice has been kept with each panchayat to ensure that no one starves in the villages. The state has also used Remote Sensing Technology to identify watersheds and plan irrigation strategies.  The PM appreciated the preparatory work done by the Chhattisgarh government.