Assam: CS Dr. Ravi Kota issues Directive to DCs of Deficit Rainfall Districts

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has asked all district commissioners (DCs) of districts that have seen early signs of drought or deficient rainfall to hold coordination meetings with line departments. The government has asked the DCs to submit their action taken reports (ATRs) immediately.

On behalf of the state government, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota directed the DCs to hold meetings with the departments of Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, ASDMA (Assam State Disaster Management Authority), etc.

Regarding irrigation, the Chief Secretary’s directive says that all DCs shall urgently assess the functionality of irrigation schemes in the affected areas and ensure restoration wherever required. The department concerned shall deploy resources to activate pump sets and minor irrigation channels and utilize other water sources for supplemental irrigation.

On agriculture, the chief secretary said that the Agriculture Department shall ensure an adequate stock of Bina 10 and Bina 11 or any other suitable short-duration paddy varieties for immediate supply to farmers. District agriculture officers shall prepare seed distribution plans, prioritizing areas with rainfall deficit, the Chief Secretary said, adding that all DCs shall intensify awareness and enrolment under PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana), especially in drought-prone areas. He said that insurance companies should be pursued to open special drives at district and block levels for quick enrolment.

The Chief Secretary further said that household documentation of potentially affected families shall start immediately to facilitate timely relief measures under SDRF norms if the situation worsens. Water supply for livestock to be ensured by the Veterinary Department; fodder reserves to be stocked in vulnerable areas, he said.

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