Assam Declares Five Districts as Drought-Affected Amid Rainfall Deficit
Drought Declaration in Assam
Guwahati, July 23: On Wednesday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that five districts in western Assam have been officially designated as drought-hit.
During a press conference after a cabinet meeting in Dibrugarh, Sarma revealed that the districts affected—Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Dhubri, Baksa, and Bongaigaon—have experienced a rainfall deficit of 40%, according to reports from the India Meteorological Department and the Central Ground Water Board.
“Given the circumstances, the Revenue Department will formally declare these areas as drought-affected,” stated the Chief Minister.
He also mentioned that farmers who have enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana will qualify for compensation.
Additionally, Sarma pointed out that certain districts in eastern Assam have faced inconsistent rainfall, with some areas receiving too little and others too much.
The Chief Minister is currently visiting Upper Assam to evaluate the execution of significant government initiatives.
This government action aims to provide relief to residents impacted by drought-like conditions in various districts of Western Assam.
A preliminary review has indicated that 14 districts in Assam are classified under the “high deficit rainfall” category, while another 13 are facing “deficit” conditions, leading the government to take urgent steps to address the issue.
In total, 27 districts have been identified as zones with rainfall deficits.
During a monthly review meeting led by Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota on July 19, which included District Commissioners (DCs) and senior officials, the government instructed the DCs to pinpoint and outline affected areas and to commence the drought declaration process.
On Tuesday, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora met with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi to discuss the developing drought situation and request necessary assistance.
Bora, accompanied by officials from the Assam Agriculture Department, described the meeting as “productive,” noting that key representatives from both Central and state agencies were involved in the discussions.
"The Union Minister has also agreed to visit the state soon,” Bora added.