Maya declares 15 dists drought-hit

However, following demands by ally BJP, a Cabinet meeting today decided that all districts which had suffered crop losses of 50 per cent or above should be declared drought-hit and special arrangements be made for them.

Trying to discount talks of political pressures, Chief Secretary D.S. Bagga said: ‘‘The CM was keeping a watch on the situation in drought-prone districts since the beginning of this month and had directed the DMs to collect information on crop loss.’’

A control room has been set up in the Bagga’s office for day-to-day monitoring of the situation. Only five of the 70 districts in the state have received normal rainfall so far. The five are Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Ballia and Chandauli.

The worst-affected area is the Bundelkhand region which was also hit last year. Jaluan district of the region has suffered a 100 per cent crop loss. A core group has been formed to ensure relief measures for the region. Etah, with nearly 84 per cent crop failure, is the second worst-hit district, followed by Rampur in Moradabad division with 74 per cent crop loss and Agra division where districts have suffered losses of 30-70 per cent.

However, the inclusion of Baghpat, Ajit Singh’s constituency, and Muzzafarnagar district, which is represented by Hukum Singh, has raised eyebrows. ‘‘The situation in the two districts is not that bad. They are getting special treatment because of the clouts of Ajit and Hukum,’’ alleged a senior BJP leader.

The government has sanctioned Rs 34.2 crores to the power corporation, ahead of the budgetary provisions, to meet part of the expenses bound to be incurred. Directives have also been issued to ensure availability of potable water, following complaints of shortage from 56 districts already. According to Bagga, the government could also consider generating employment in the drought-hit districts, but ‘‘not at this stage’’.