Telangana News

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Panneerselvam said that all the districts of the state, will be declared drought hit, in view of the poor rainfall, during the northeast monsoon.

Besides waiving of land tax for farmers, the CM also announced a solatium of Rs. 3 lakh to the families of 17 farmers, who had committed suicide due to various reasons. According to the CM’s statement, even Centre’s assistance is being sought and regarding this, already a petition would be sent soon.

The measures to tackle drought include efforts to convert, crop loans from cooperative banks and commercial banks into medium term loans. Cooperative banks have lent loans up to Rs. 3,028 crores this year and all such loans would be converted into medium term loans. Crop failure relief would be paid as per an order notified in this regard on October 27th 2015. Crop cutting experiment, on the other hand, would be undertaken to ensure that farmers receive insurance claims.

Rs. 3400 crores would be spent for desilting reservoirs and channels and restoration of lakes, which would also ensure employment for farming workers. Under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the working days for the workers, would be increased from 100 to 150 days, to ensure a livelihood for farmers affected by drought.

Another Rs. 78 crores would be spent for the fodder needs of cattle and Rs. 160 crores to improve the drinking water resources in urban areas through the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

A sum of Rs. 350 crores would be allocated for the same in rural areas through Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department and another Rs. 5 crores for fodden and drinking water to the wildlife. Rs. 25 crores would be allocated to the PWD for improving the groundwater table and to boost drinking water resources. The Tamil Nadu government's decisions follow the submission of reports from all districts on Monday.