The Pioneer 23.11.2010
Central team arrives to assess drought situationPNS | Bhubaneswar
A seven-member Central team, headed by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperation SKG Rahaet, arrived on Monday on a three-day visit to observe the drought situation in the State.
The team’s other members include Central Finance Commissioner Mukesh Sharma, Assessment Director AS Goel, Deputy Commissioner of NREGA SC Pundit, Additional Advisor of Water and Sanitation RM Dehspande, Fisheries and Animal Resources Additional Commissioner RP Mishra and Paddy Development Director MC Dibakar.
The team will be divided in two groups to visit the 17 drought-hit districts. After returning from the districts, the team will hold discussions with Revenue Minister SN Patro and officers of the Revenue and Agriculture Departments.
It is to be noted that earlier the State Government had declared 10,991 villages in 117 blocks and 104 wards of 14 municipalities as drought-hit on the basis of reports submitted by district Collectors. The State Government had placed a demand of `1,516 crore to meet the drought situation.
