Crops in over 4 lakh hectare damaged in MP

Gwalior, MP, Mar 19 (UNI) Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm, which has hit several villages in Madhya Pradesh, has damaged crop spread over four lakh hectares, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said today.

''As per report received till yesterday, crops in 4,04,749 hectares land in 8,438 villages in 44 districts were affected.

Besides, 10,249 houses got damaged, while 84 people and 952 animals were killed,'' Mr Chouhan told reporters here today.

Maintaining that his government was serious about the plight of farmers, he said the government has amended the Revenue Book Circular and fixed maximum and minimum amount for providing relief.

Besides, Rs 50,000 ex-gratia will be provided to family members of the deceased. Additional Rs 50,000 ex-gratia will be provided to members of the deceased belonging to BPL families.

Expressing dissatisfaction over relief amount being given to the deceased, the Chief Minister said assessment of loss should be done at farmer or village level under the crop insurance scheme so that the peasants receive adequate compensation.

Earlier, assessment under the central scheme was done at tehsil level but now assessment was done at 'patwari' level.

He added that the he will urge the Centre to purchase grams and lintels at minimum support price.

Regarding measures to tackle water crisis, Mr Chouhan said the 'Jalabhishek Abhiyan' will be launched in the state on April 2.

The scheme will focus on constructing stop dams and other water resources and roof water harvesting, besides spreading awareness among public regarding conserving water.

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