Too early for drought: CM Ibobi
Rainfall received till June, 2012 is 63% as against 43% in 2009 drought
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 27 2012: The State government is closely monitoring the rate of rainfall received during the last few months and considered it too early and improper to declare drought in the state, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has exclaimed.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the reception function hosted in honour of the newly Elected Office Bearers of Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee/Inner and Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency of Youth Congress Committee at Congress Bhawan today, Ibobi asserted that the State government has not declared drought in the state because of the prevailing situation and not because of the fear of the Central Government.

A farmer tilling his dry paddy paddy(above); CM Ibobi and MPCC President Gaikhangam felicitating newly election office bearers Youth Congress

All the Ministers and MLAs have been minutely discussing the situation of rainfall in the state and since the state government is responsible to its people it cannot give unreasonable remarks nor make irresponsible decisions.

As such, the government feels it is improper to declare drought in the state right away, the Chief Minister added.

Recalling the last instance where drought was declared in the state in 2009, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that during that year the average rainfall received from January to June was 43% only.

However, this year, the average rate of rainfall recorded from January to June is 63%.Moreover, in the hill areas, the rate of rainfall recorded is around 80% .

Ibobi appealed to the newly Elected Office Bearers of Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress Committee/Inner and Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency of Youth Congress Committee to desist from making any stray remarks and irresponsible statements and said that they are the future pillars of the society.

Delivering the Presidential speech, President of MPCC and Home Minister Gaikhangam observed that Congress is the leading party in the state.

So, all the members and workers need to follow the rules and regulations of the party strictly.

The youths of the Congress are quite different from others and they should try and bring about a good image for the state as well as the nation.

The function was also attended by many MLAs, Ministers and Congress workers.