Though superficially it seems that the Gujarat government is busy, dealing with the ongoing assembly session these days, the actual story is different. The government administration is actually gearing up to deal with the possible impacts of poor monsoon. Babus of Agriculture, Water supply, Irrigation departments are working overnight to give their best efforts apprehending poor monsoon. Short summery is given below about what’s actually going on in the secretariat and on the ground, and what could happen in coming days if the monsoon continues to be in delayed mode.
-The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted good rain in a week. Therefore the Government of Gujarat has made 10th of July, a cut of date.
-If there is no rain till July 10, the state Government has prepared an action plan to tackle the situation.
-Master plans are being prepared for supply of drinking water.
-Department wise meetings are being held in Gandhinagar on day-to-day bases.
-Total monsoon crop area in the state is 86.49 hectares. As of now it is 12.10 lakh hectares. Last year on 1′st July it was 25.95 lakh hectares.
-If there is no rain till July 10, the Crop pattern in the state will face changes. The farmers will be advised to sow short-duration crops.
-Seeds producers and district wise Agriculture officers are meeting today in Gandhinagar to discuss post July 10 situation.
-The areas where water is supplied from Narmada, Dharoi and Ukai reservoirs will not face drinking water problem. However, areas in Saurashtra and Kutch region do need attention.
-The Water Supply department has already prepared four-month first phase action plan.
-Tankers are on roads in the areas where shortage of water is experienced.
-According to details available at WASMO, 280 villages in state are getting water through tankers today. Of them 150 villages are in Kutch district, 66 in Jamnagar, 6 in Porbandar, 10 in Junagadh, 23 in Banaskantha, 10 in Sabarkantha and 5 in Patan.
-Irrigation water has been reserved for drinking water purpose.
-If rain delays further, at least 600 villages eventually will need water tanker supply.