Guwahati (Assam) [India], July 31 (HBTV): In view of the emerging risk of drought-like conditions reported from certain districts due to a rainfall deficit, the Assam government has directed all District Commissioners (DCs) of affected districts to immediately convene coordination meetings with line departments, including Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, and the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA).

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota issued the directive following instructions from the Chief Minister's Office, which called for immediate implementation of mitigation measures.

The Chief Secretary asked all DCs to intensify awareness and enrollment under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), particularly in drought-prone areas. He stated that insurance companies should be approached to set up special counters at district and block levels to expedite farmer enrollment, with the deadline for Sali paddy enrollment extended to August 20, 2025.

All DCs have been asked to urgently assess the status of irrigation schemes in affected areas and ensure their restoration wherever necessary. Relevant departments have been directed to deploy resources to activate pump sets, minor irrigation channels, and utilize other available water sources for supplemental irrigation.

Regarding seed availability, the Chief Secretary directed the Agriculture Department to ensure adequate stock of Bina 10, Bina 11, or other short-duration paddy varieties for immediate distribution to farmers. District Agriculture Officers (DAOs) have been tasked with preparing seed distribution plans, prioritizing areas with the highest rainfall deficit.

The order also directed that household documentation of potentially affected families be initiated immediately to enable timely relief under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms if the situation worsens. The Veterinary Department has been instructed to ensure water supply for livestock and to stock fodder reserves in vulnerable areas.

All DCs have been directed to submit an action taken report to ASDMA by July 31.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), from June 1 to July 25 this year, Assam recorded 444.1 mm of rainfall — a 44 percent deficit compared to the normal 788.4 mm for the period.

Rainfall deficits during the same period were also reported in neighbouring states: Arunachal Pradesh (49 percent), Meghalaya (58 percent), Nagaland (7 percent), Manipur (21 percent), and Sikkim (33 percent).

Within Assam, the rainfall deficit by district during the same period was recorded as follows: South Salmara (84 percent), Darrang (79 percent), Bajali (72 percent), Barpeta (73 percent), Tamulpur (68 percent), Dhubri (65 percent), Nalbari (65 percent), Dhemaji (64 percent), Bongaigaon (63 percent), Chirang (60 percent), Baksa (58 percent), Kamrup (Rural) (58 percent), Kamrup (Metro) (58 percent), Nagaon (52 percent), and Kokrajhar (50 percent).

(ANI)