Narendra Modi reviews delayed monsoon in Gujarat

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today convened a high-level meeting in the state capital to review issues such as crop sowing, drinking and irrigation water supply and fodder supply, in connection with delayed monsoon in the state.

Revenue Minister Anandiben Patel, higher officials from Meteorological, Agriculture, Irrigation, Water supply and Revenue departments were present in the meeting.

In a comparative study between June 2008 and June 2009, held by the Chief Minister, it was found that Gujarat has 56% lesser rain this June compare to June 2008.

Revenue Secretary P.Panirvel said, 56 talukas in the state have not experienced rain so far in this season, while 70 talukas have experienced two to three inch rain.

Agriculture director said, sawing in 9.50 lakh hactres has been completed.

Irrigation officials said, reservoirs in the state have 20% storage of water(Central Gujarat’s reservoirs:38%, South Gujarat:20% , North Gujarat:10% and Saurashtra-Kutch:10%). He said presently there is no threat to drinking water supply.

Indian Meteorological Department official present in the meeting said, Gujarat will have normal amount of rains through Bay of Bengal via Madhya Pradesh and also through Arabian Sea via Saurashtra.

Chief Minister Modi directed the state administration to be ready with district wise planning of sowing, irrigation and drinking water.