Collectors asked to energise all LI points

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4 (UNI) Concerned over the scanty rainfall in major part of the Orissa, the state government today directed the District Collectors to initiate steps to energise all Lift Irrigation points to save the khariff crop from a possible drought.

The Collectors were asked to spend up to Rs 10,000 while the the Special Relief Commissioner was authorised to sanction the over Rs.10,000 for the energisation of LI Points.

The decisions were taken at a meeting held here under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to review the situation arising due to scanty rainfall.

Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal told newsmen after the meeting here that the district administrations were also directed to release water in all canals and take up labour intensive works in all blocks and panchayats.They were also asked to start permanent water harvest structures.

He said reports of moisture stress was received from as many as 25 of the total 30 districts of the state so far. While 11 districts received 20 to 29 per cent less rainfall than the normal in eight districts the rainfall was 30 to 50 per cent less.

Six districts had reported above 50 per cent less rainfall.The paddy crop has been badly affected due to the moisture stress while swarming cater pillars had damaged crops in Kalahandi, Nuapada, Keonjhar,Nabarangpur,Bolangir and Padmapur block in Baragarh district.

The government decided to give 50 per cent subsidy to the farmers on the purchase of spraying machines and free pesticides for spraying.

However, the meteorology department sources said there was no need to panic as the monsoon has already became active after a brief null and rain is likely to lash the state in next two to three days.

UNI