Central tem visits drought hit regions in Bihar

The 11-member central team that visited drought-hit districts of the state admitted that the scenario was bad at several places. The team concluded its three-day visit after holding a meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the crisis management group led by Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee.

The 11-member Central team that visited drought-hit districts of the state admitted that the scenario was bad at several places. The team concluded its three-day visit after holding a meeting with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the crisis management group led by Chief Secretary Anup Mukherjee.

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“The situation is indeed bad due to poor monsoon. Though a final assessment of the quantum of relief will be decided by the centre, I can say that relief will be provided as per the National Calamity Contingency Fund norms,” said RK Tiwary, a member “The centre is concerned about the farmers,” he said. The team, however, refused to divulge much and said they would submit a report soon.

Tiwary praised the government’s initiatives, particularly the provision of diesel subsidy to farmers. The CM told the team that the state government’s memorandum of demand was based on actual assessment. He said though the situation wasn't alarming at the moment, by October, some regions may face drinking water as well as fodder problems. “We are making all efforts to tackle the situation,” he said.

Kumar also apprised the members of different steps taken and hoped that the team would play a ‘constructive’ role in getting adequate package for drought-hit areas. Meanwhile, the union agriculture ministry has convened a meeting of Bihar officials on August 27 to discus the situation. Earlier in the day, the team comprising RK Tiwary, T Srinivasan and K Mazumdar visited Marwan block of Muzaffarpur district.