While presiding over the meeting of review meeting on the probability of drought like situation in the State, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the line departments like Horticulture, Agriculture, Irrigation and Public Health and Animal Husbandry etc. should gear up and make necessary arrangements well in advance.He said that besides drinking water problems, there could be acute shortage of fodder for animals as well. Though as predicted by the meteorology department, there was scattered rainfall in the State today, but it seems that the rainfall won't be sufficient to douse jungle flames.Sh Thakur said that the water supply schemes could be affected if same and the department should explore the possibilities of installing more hand-pumps or be prepared with water tankers if it doesn’t rain or snow enough. "In light of the forecast next month we have to take steps for preparedness and response in order to tackle the present drought like condition,” said he. The water level is fast decreasing, which is a matter of grave concern.
The meeting discussed point-by-point details about preparations to meet such an eventuality.It was disclosed that adequate funds were needed for providing relief to the farmers for crop damage, drinking water supply and ensuring adequate fodder and water for live stock, which would be met from State Disaster Response force (SDRF).The Chief Minister also desired to hold meetings with deputy Commissioners. He said that the district administration should be prepared for tendering of water tankers in water scarcity areas.He said that remedial measures should be taken to stop contamination of drinking water at the source and to start with super Chlorination process in the districts to prevent water borne diseases like Jaundice. Irrigation and Public Health Minister Mahendar Singh Thakur raised up for preparation of contingency plan on drought for fodder, if it doesn’t rain much with stakeholder departments.
He said that agriculture and horticulture sectors have been slightly affected due to deficient rainfall in districts like Chamba, Shimla, Solan, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una and Sirmaur.He directed that the IPH department should do regular sample quality testing of water ad the deputy commissioner should ensure that the water quality testing may be done randomly per week upto the sub- division level.Chief Secretary Vineet Chawdhry said that the deputy commissioners should submit the demands of the fund at the earliest, so that the funds can be allocated well in time.As a preparedness measure the departments should prepare the inventory pertaining to fodder, food grains, cattle, health related facilities, relief works, water etc, said Sh Chawdhry.ACS, Dr. Shrikant Baldi ACS Manisha Nanda, Principal Secretary, Revenue, Onkar Sharma and other senior officers of the Horticulture, Irrigation and Public Health, Animal Husbandry department were present on the occasion a.