Guwahati: A preliminary impact assessment of the prevailing drought-like conditions by state govt revealed that 14 districts are experiencing a large deficit in rainfall, while 13 districts fall under the deficit category.State chief secretary (CS) Ravi Kota, while holding a monthly review meeting with all the district commissioners (DCs), instructed them to identify and demarcate impacted areas and initiate the process of drought declaration accordingly. “These declarations must be based on LGD (local govt directory) code-linked revenue villages to ensure accuracy and consistency,” he said.The CS directed the agriculture department to assist this process by submitting gram panchayat-wise data to each district for necessary action. To provide immediate relief, the irrigation department, working in coordination with the panchayat & rural development (P&RD) department and agriculture department, was instructed to mobilise pumps for deployment in affected areas. “A district-wise mapping of all available pumps has already been completed. Additionally, dysfunctional tube wells will be revived where required to address irrigation demands,” he added.For effective outreach to farmers, the P&RD was tasked with disseminating IMD forecasts and sowing advisories through circle officers, block development officers, and panchayat-level officials. “This will enable farmers to make informed decisions during this critical period. The feasibility of using Amrit Sarovars as an alternative irrigation source was also discussed and may be explored where viable,” the CS said.In terms of relief and compensation, admissible assistance under relevant SDRF guidelines was also reviewed by the CS during the meeting on Saturday evening. He instructed the DCs to conduct proper estimations of crop loss within their respective jurisdictions. He added that the office of the relief commissioner and secretaries from the chief minister’s office will provide necessary support and guidance to facilitate prompt and appropriate action at the district level.According to the IMD report, Bajali, Baksa, Bapeta, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhemaji, Dhubri, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), Nalbari, South Salmara, and Tamulpur districts reported a large deficit in rainfall as of Sunday.
