PATNA: As of now, there is no threat of drought in Bihar as rain deficit in the state reduced to 23% by July 30 from 48% on July 21.

CM Nitish Kumar will hold a fresh review meeting before August 12 to take a call on the issue of declaring the state or part it as drought-affected.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Tuesday held a long meeting with senior ministers and top bureaucrats to review drought and flood scenario in the state. He also interacted with all district magistrates through video-conferencing to take ground report about the rainfall and plantation of paddy and maize.

After the four-hour long meeting held at ‘Nek Samvad’ auditorium of the CM residence, Nitish decided to hold a fresh review meeting before August 12 to take a final call on whether to declare the state or part of it as "drought-hit" or not.

“The met department and agriculture department have furnished certain data about the rainfall and block-wise paddy transplantation, respectively. The met department has also predicted heavy rainfall in the state by August 7. Hence, it would not be proper to take any decision on declaration of drought, as of now. We will review the matter afresh either on August 10 or 11,” the CM told the officials after getting feedback from the districts.

Nitish also said, floods generally come in Bihar after August 15 and till the end of September. Hence, officials of all the departments should remain alert to meet challenges in case of either drought or flood.

Briefing reporters about the CM's review meeting, state’s chief secretary Deepak Kumar said only five districts, out of total 38, have witnessed more than 50% rain deficit till date. “The districts having less rainfall are Muzaffarpur , Vaishali, Patna , Saran and Nalanda . The state government is keeping special vigil on these districts. Field officers have been directed to provide alternative measures to farmers to ensure maximum paddy plantation,” he said.

Chief secretary also informed that the last date for receiving application under the Mukhyamantri Crop Assistance Scheme has been extended upto August 31. The government would continue to provide diesel subsidy to the farmers as per the decision taken at the CM's last review meeting.

