Bihar Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh on Thursday said that 25 of 38 Bihar districts are drought-affected. The state government,however,has not officially declared drought in the state. Singh said,Though there has been good rainfall in some parts of Bihar,most districts have been facing drought because of below average rainfall. The minister said the government would assess situation for a few more days and take a call on drought declaration in the affected districts. He also sought cooperation from the Opposition to mount pressure on the Centre to help the state fight drought. Earlier,Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had set up council to fight drought and flood situations. District magistrates have been asked to personally monitor distribution of diesel subsidy and re-energisation of tube-wells,who often become dysfunction in absence of use and water table going down. The Chief Minister said at least 28 Bihar districts could face drought-like situation if there is no good rainfall till 15 August.
