Inter-ministerial group to tackle monsoon failure

Anticipating a drought-like situation following the failure of monsoon, an inter-ministerial group (IMG) has been formed to combat its impac...

Anticipating a drought-like situation following the failure of monsoon, an inter-ministerial group (IMG) has been formed to combat its impact in rain-starved areas in Rajasthan, western Madhya Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana.

The IMG, chaired by Additional Secretary (Agriculture), held its first meeting on Friday where the departments concerned were handed out preparatory tasks. The prime responsibility is on the Food Ministry to stock sufficient foodgrain at the identified centres of Food Corporation of India. It has been told to coordinate with the Railways to move the grain before a crisis arises.

The Women and Child Welfare department has been directed to augment the supplementary nutrition provided to the children under the Anganwadi scheme. The attempt is to cover a larger number of children, specially in the vulnerable areas.

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The Petroleum Ministry has been asked to step up the supply of diesel since the failure of monsoon would lead to farmers depending more on tubewells for irrigation. In drought-prone areas, Water Resources Ministry has been asked to ensure the operation and maintenance of water supply schemes.

Since hydro-electric projects would generate below their usual capacity because of low water levels, the Power Ministry has been asked to direct thermal units to increase their generation to bridge the shortfall. While the Agriculture Ministry has been told to assess the requirement of fodder for cattle and build buffer stocks, the Health Ministry has been told to organise medicines and equipment to check possible outbreak of diseases.

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