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Grants for livestock care in drought-hit Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The Rajasthan State Disaster Management Authority has agreed in principle to provide grants to ‘gaushalas’ (cow farms) and veterinary camps and start livestock nutrition centres from January in view of the drought conditions prevailing in the State. The Authority will also take wide-ranging steps for conservation of water.

Presiding over a meeting of the Authority here on Saturday, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed concern over the precarious water situation and asked the officials to prevent misuse of water resources: “Water continues to be a sensitive matter and all attempts should be made to check the declining ground water level.”

Mr. Gehlot emphasised the need for formulating long-term plans for water conservation and generating awareness among the people on this front. He directed the officials to ensure that the decisions taken earlier in this regards are executed.

The Chief Minister also asked the officials to launch “water audit” to save each drop of water and get the advice of experts on the methods for preventing the misuse of water and conserving the precious resources in the present crisis situation.

Referring to the continuing agitation of farmers in the Indira Gandhi Canal’s command area, Mr. Gehlot asked the Home Department to lend a helping hand to the Water Resources Department officials in stopping water theft. He said efforts should be stepped up for supplying the canal waters to the tail-end of distributaries.

Mr. Gehlot took stock of the situation arising out of the A H1N1 influenza spreading fast in the State and gave instructions for opening the swine flu testing laboratories at divisional headquarters without delay. The labs at district headquarters will also be upgraded. The meeting also reviewed the labour planning, steps taken to protect the livestock and the measures for helping out the weaker sections. The meeting was told that the five task forces appointed for drought management were constantly assessing the situation.

Among others, State Health Minister Aimaduddin Ahmed Khan, Water Resources Minister Mahipal Maderna, Agriculture Minister Harjiram Burdak, Revenue Minister Hemaram Chaudhary and Rural Development Minister Bharat Singh attended the meeting.

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