State Govt to make all River Lift Irrigation (RLI) stations functional
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 23 2012:
Even though the state is facing acute shortage of rain thereby affectinh agricultural activities both in the hills and the plains areas, a meeting of the state Cabinet held today to discuss the 'drought like situation' failed to arrive at a decision on declaring drought in the state.
The cabinet meeting was convened at around 4pm today to consider inter-alia the agenda on "Review of drought like situation in the state-report by Cabinet Sub-Committee" .
The Cabinet, after a thorough consideration of the report, decided to make functional all the River Lift Irrigation (RLI) stations by the Minor Irrigation Department.
It has also urged the department concerned to provide all the required fuel till the drought like situation eases.
The Cabinet further resolved to identify all the paddy fields which have no source of water and cannot be irrigated through RLI or pump sets.
The process of identifying the paddy fields will be done by the Agriculture Department.
The Department will also assess the extent of damage and work out a proposal for adequate support measures through alternative cropping, Rabi crop or any other suitable means.
During the course of the Cabinet meeting, it was also decided that the Agricultural Department shall liaise and coordinate with other departments at both state and local level to ensure irrigation and extension services wherever feasible in the state.
The Cabinet would review the whole situation after a week.