Damaging downpour

The adjoining districts have a similar story. 8220;As many as 12 villages in Pataudi, and the Sidhrawli, Bhurka and Dinokri villages in Gurgaon have been completely destroyed,8221; says Tarsem Sharma, tehsildar, Gurgaon.

Meanwhile, the assessment of damage has started, with revenue officers expected to submit a report soon. The farmers expect the compensation, which has been doubled since last year, to come in by next month.

The compensation for 26-50 per cent damage to wheat has been enhanced from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 per acre, while for other crops it is Rs 2,000 per acre. Similarly, for 51-75 per cent damage to wheat, a compensation of Rs 4,000 per acre will be paid, instead of the earlier Rs 2,250. For crops like mustard with 51-75 per cent damage, the compensation will be Rs 3,000 per acre. For 76-100 per cent damage, the compensation for wheat has been enhanced from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per acre, and for other crops the compensation will be Rs 4,000 per acre, according to Government sources.

8220;With this season8217;s income washed away, we are relying on the compensation to make both ends meet,8221; says Raghubir Yadav, a farmer in Pataudi village near Gurgaon. Hopefully, the government will respond to the farmers8217; appeal at the earliest.