The Uttar Pradesh government is set to declare 53 of the state's 75 districts, which have received less than 50% rainfall this year, as drought-affected, officials said on Tuesday.
The state government has asked the district authorities to assess the situation so that a necessary action plan could be chalked-out for these districts.
Reviewing the prevailing situation, chief secretary Alok Ranjan directed the divisional commissioners (DCs) and district magistrates (DMs) of the affected districts to provide relief and medical assistance to drought and flood-hit farmers.
Earlier, the government had identified 19 districts reeling under very acute drought condition as completely drought-hit and 34 districts with rainfall between 40 to 60% as partially drought- affected.
Now, the government has decided to bring those districts with less than 50% rainfall under the completely drought - affected category, officials said.
The chief secretary said along with necessary medical services to prevent contagious diseases in flood affected districts, medical teams would also be made available in these areas.
Ranjan said irrigation and power departments would jointly ensure regular monitoring to enhance capacity of tube-wells affected due to low voltage.
The chief secretary said the state government would write to the centre for financial assistance to provide relief in drought-affected areas.
The chief secretary said the state government would write to the centre for financial assistance to provide relief in drought-affected areas.
Instructions have been sent to the DCs and the DMs to submit status reports.
He said revenue collection should be deferred in concerned districts till March 31, 2015.