20 pc of crop damaged in UP districts

Friday saw a marginal improvement in the flood situation in the country even as Uttar Pradesh reported that 20 per cent of the crop in the affected districts had been damaged.

Friday saw a marginal improvement in the flood situation in the country even as Uttar Pradesh reported that 20 per cent of the crop in the affected districts had been damaged.

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Though rain disrupted relief operations in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district on Friday, a bright day in other parts of the state brought some respite.

A group of 37 pilgrims who were going to Kailash Mansarovar and had been stranded near Gunji for two days could not be airlifted on Friday. The pilgrims could not move because of bridge collapse in Gunji. “A helicopter is there in Pithoragarh. We will again try on Saturday,” said N.S. Negi, district magistrate, Pithorgarh.

In Uttar Pradesh, Agriculture Director Mukesh Gautam said: “We are still assessing the loss. A clear picture will emerge after the floodwaters recede. The crop on 100,000 hectares (one hectare = 10,000 sq metres) had been severely damaged and 20 per cent of the kharif crop in the flood-affected districts has been damaged.”

In Bihar the waters of the Gandak have receded.

“We are aware of the erosion the Gandak is causing and have instructed the officials of the Water Resources Department to strengthen the embankment and then ensure breach closure,” said Principal Secretary (Disaster Management Department) Vyas Ji.