Dry spell forces Assam govt to prepare relief package

GUWAHATI: With Assam witnessing an unprecedented dry spell in last four months, state government is readying relief package. The package will be sent to Election commission (EC) for clearance as model of code is in place.

Tea bushes across the state are taking a beating owing to scanty rainfall. In many places, planters have resorted to artificial irrigation. The first flush of tea that was expected to come up this month, may get slightly delayed, fear planters.

Dusty winds in Guwahati have forced cancellation of flights the last three days. Tourists and passengers are facing a tough time. The dry spell is likely to affect rabi crops and boro paddy. The fall of ground water level will also impact summer crops.

Guwahati is facing an acute water shortage. At several places in the state, craters have developed on agricultural land. The state government has asked deputy commissioners to prepare a report on the damages suffered by farmers.

Assam chief minister, Tarun Gogoi on Wednesday said that state government is working on relief measures that could be provided. The measures will include supply of drinking water, irrigation facilities, if cleared by the election commissioner.

Mr Gogoi said: "I am hopeful that the EC will clear the same. The metrological predications are not very encouraging. This is a case of climate change. Dry spell however is not going to impact the polls."

The state government has identified rampant felling of trees and cutting of lush hill-sides as some of the major factors that have contributed to this situation. Mr Gogoi said that the government has already initiated steps to protect large natural water bodies. The government is likely to come up with a law to deal with the menace of hill cutting in Guwahati.