Kerala declared drought-hit: Govt to approach Centre for aid
October 31, 2016 14:50
The Kerala government on Monday declared the state as drought-hit in view of the sharp decrease in rainfall during the South West Monsoon and said that Centre would be approached for necessary assistance to meet the emergency situation.
Kerala Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan made the announcement in the Assembly while replying to a notice seeking adjournment motion moved by Congress-led UDF opposition on the serious situation prevailing in the state due to the sharp decrease in rainfall.
The state Disaster Management Authority had been entrusted to seek necessary additional funds from the Centre to tide over the crisis, he said.
The UDF wanted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to meet and appraise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the seriousness of the situation to receive more funds to address the concerned issues.
"According to IMD figures, there has been a sharp decrease in rainfall to the tune of 34 per cent during the South-West monsoon. There has also been a sharp decline in rainfall during North-East monsoon also," Chandrasekharan said.
"So, the government has declared the state as total drought-hit. A high-level meeting, chaired by chief minister was convened on October 13 to discuss steps to be taken to meet the emergency situation," he said.
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