The Hindu : National : States demand more power, farm subsidy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 29, 2004

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National

States demand more power, farm subsidy

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JULY 28. About Rs. 2,500 crores, including 16 lakh tonnes of foodgrains, would be immediately required to meet the drought threat in nine States. This will be met from the National Calamity and Contingency Fund.

At a meeting here on Tuesday, the Cabinet Secretary, B.K. Chaturvedi, asked the affected States to prepare status reports on the fallout of the rain deficit, including the rainfall and crop situation, the availability of drinking water, foodgrains, fodder and vaccines for livestock. The Union Ministries concerned have been directed to prepare State-wise status reports on drought-related issues and send it to the Prime Minister's Office, which will monitor the situation on a daily basis. At the meeting, Mr. Chaturvedi reviewed the drought situation with the Chief Secretaries of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Most States demanded the availability of more power supply and subsidy for farm inputs.

Directive to States

The State Governments were directed to take steps to ensure that there were no cases of starvation or malnutrition. They were asked to monitor the situation on a daily basis and ensure that relief assistance reached those who needed them the most. It is learnt that Punjab, while reporting a rainfall deficiency of up to 80 per cent in July and reservoirs at 50 per cent storage level, demanded that the Centre look at the high price of power it buys from other States. Haryana sought 75MW of power "immediately" and Rs. 6.23 crores to augment drinking water supply.

Rajasthan's demand

Rajasthan is facing severe drought conditions with unprecedented water crisis. Of the 5,765 irrigation tanks, not even one is full. The shortage is almost 60 per cent. Only 35 per cent kharif sowing has been done. The State has asked the Centre to bear the cost of transportation of water by rail. Western Uttar Pradesh is reported to be one of the worst affected with not more than 60 per cent sowing of paddy. It sought input subsidy for paddy and reported drinking water shortage.

Although lately there has been rainfall in the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, it has not helped the crops that have already been sowed. The Krishna basin is also hit. Fodder is likely to be a problem in Cuddapah and Anantpur districts.

Power shortage

Maharashtra is facing drought-like situation in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. It faces power shortage and has sought from the Centre relief under special component of the Swaranjayanti Gramin Rozgar Yojna.

While Gujarat sought funds for augmenting water sources, Madhya Pradesh said drinking water was a concern and sought assistance for power pricing and under SGRY.

Delhi anticipates shortage of power and water in the coming months.

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