Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked 11 drought-hit states including Maharashtra to take measures on a weekly basis for drought-proofing villages till the monsoon arrives in the first week of June.
In the past two weeks, Modi separately met the chief ministers of the 11 drought-hit states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The Agriculture Ministry and other related ministries have been asked to monitor the situation and see if funds under various central schemes are being properly utilised. A delay has also been predicted for the monsoon, which was supposed to begin on 1 June.
In a separate statement, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said the states have been instructed to complete the preparatory works for water conservation before the onset of monsoon.
Each state was requested to prepare an Action Plan on a weekly basis to tide over challenges like shortage and scarcity of drinking water, conservation efforts and usage of existing water resource optimally and prudently.Radha Mohan Singh, Agriculture Minister
For its preparation and implementation, the states have been asked to use technologies to address the challenge of water conservation and water security
Traditional Water Harvesting Methods to Battle Drought
Traditional methods of water harvesting and step wells have been proposed to help battle drought conditions. Recycling waste water to use for agricultural purposes is also being encouraged.
Besides short-term measures, the states have also been asked to focus on long-term mitigation measures. The country is facing drought for the second consecutive year due to poor monsoons.
Also Read: Prevailing Drought to Cost Economy 6.5 Lakh Crore: Assocham
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