Patna: In its bid to support the rural economy hit by scanty rains, the Bihar government on Thursday declared 937 panchayats of 96 blocks in 11 districts as drought-hit. These areas have witnessed rains in the range of 30-70% of the standard showers during the monsoon.
The state cabinet chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar has decided to declare 7841 villages after studying the region-wise assessment carried out by the disaster management department.
After the meeting, additional chief secretary, cabinet, S Siddharth told media persons that that affected families of the drought-affected villages and their adjacent tolas would be provided financial assistance to the tune of ₹3,500 each.
An advance of Rs 500 crore has been sanctioned from the Bihar Contingency Fund for this purpose. The survey of families will start soon. The rainfall decreased by 60 per cent in July and 37 per cent in August this year, the disaster management department said in a press release. Rainfall was also irregular during the period. The state received an average rainfall of 39% less than the normal.
Part of 11 districts hit by drought
The districts declared partially hit by drought Jahanabad, Gaya, Aurangabad, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Munger, Lakhisarai, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui and Nalanda.
Flood victims will also get assistance
The Cabinet also decided to provide monetary assistance to farmers for crops damaged due to heavy rains and floods in various places in October. Agriculture department has been tasked to submit the report of crop damage after proper survey. Agricultural input subsidy will be given to the affected families after the survey. Assistance amount will be paid after the survey.
Also Read: Bihar CM launches ₹3588-Cr rural solar street lighting project
₹100 crore released for diesel subsidy
The state government has been offering subsidy on diesel to farmers for irrigation system after normal rain skip the state during the monsoon. A sum of ₹8995 crore was sanctioned earlier for this. As the shortage of rains continued to persist, the cabinet has approved withdrawal of advance of ₹100 crore from the state contingency fund to provide diesel subsidy to more farmers in the current cropping season.
