Memorandum to the Central Government Seeking Assistance for Combating Drought in Bihar 2010

Transcription

1 Memorandum to the Central Government Seeking Assistance for Combating Drought in Bihar 2010 Arwal DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT, GOVERNMENT OF BIHAR

2 Preface Bihar is facing its second successive drought in The state is traditionally floodprone so this year s consecutive widespread drought has magnified the adverse impact. This is particularly so in the background of the series of natural disasters over the last four years which have brought untold miseries to the people 2007 witnessed severe floods in 22 districts of the State affecting 2.5 crore people; in 2008, the breach of the Kosi embankment at Kusaha (Nepal) caused unprecedented devastation in vast tracts of 5 districts of Kosi and Purnea divisions. Hon ble Prime Minister termed this a national calamity. 13 other districts were also affected by floods that year. In 2009, along with many other states, Bihar faced severe drought in 26 out of 38 districts. In 2010 nature has been extremely harsh on us as we have faced severe cyclonic storms in April killing more than a hundred people and causing huge losses to property and livestock. Now we are facing drought in large swathes of our State: the arrival of monsoon in the state was delayed by two weeks and during the peak sowing period of the main Kharif crop, the rainfall deficit was more than 20% and shortfall in crop coverage more than 60% over the entire state. Rainfall and crop coverage have been continuously monitored since the start of the monsoon season by the Crisis Management Group (CMG) and the Calamity Relief Fund Committee (CRFC). Reports were received from District Magistrates, Divisional Commissioners and secretary level officers of the State Government on prevailing ground realities. After careful examination of rainfall data, crop coverage, reports of the above officers and on the basis of in-depth reviews in the meetings of the CMG and CRFC, on 4 th August 2010 the Government of Bihar declared 28 out of 38 districts as drought affected, and decided to constantly monitor the situation in the remaining 10 districts. In case the situation in these 10 districts worsens, they may also be declared drought hit. Around one crore fifty lakh families have been badly affected in these 28 districts. The State Government has already suspended collection of land revenue, irrigation dues, co-operative loans and electricity dues related to agriculture. In addition to this, massive relief operations are required in these districts. This Memorandum seeking assistance from the Central Government for combating drought has been prepared keeping in view the CRF/ NCCF guidelines. It is hoped that the Central Government will expeditiously sanction crore of financial assistance together with an additional power of 330 MW, additional allocation of 45,005 KL of Kerosene and also other assistance as requested in the Memorandum. Chief Secretary Government of Bihar 2

3 INDEX Sl. No. Subject Page No. Preface 2 1 Overview 4 2 Indicators mentioned in the Crisis 11 Management Plan (CMP), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and the Drought Situation in Bihar 3 Steps taken by State Government so far 12 4 Declaration of Drought 15 5 Steps to be taken in the drought affected 17 districts 6 Assistance Sought from Centre 20 I Agriculture 20 II Minor Irrigation 21 III Drinking Water Sector 22 IV Food Grains 23 V Kerosene Oil 24 VI Supplementary Nutrition 24 VII Livestock Sector 24 VIII Employment Sector 27 IX Energy Sector 28 X Health Sector 29 XI Bank Loan 30 XII Summary of Assistance 31 Annexure

4 1. Overview Bihar is facing a serious drought arising out of scanty rainfall during the 2010 South West Monsoon whose arrival was 2 weeks late. The rainfall deficit in June was 32%. The State Government has declared 28 district as Drought affected and started relief measures. The situation in the remaining 10 districts is also being monitored continuously and some of these districts may also be declared drought hit if the situation in these districts worsens. The State Government has been keeping a close watch on the situation since the start of the season and has been monitoring the rainfall pattern and the crop coverage. A Crisis Management Group (CMG) comprising Secretaries/ Principal Secretaries of different line departments under the chairmanship of the State Chief Secretary continuously reviews and monitors the situation. Similarly, a Task Force has been constituted at the district level to review and monitor the situation at the district and lower levels. Ministers and Departmental Secretaries are also reviewing and monitoring the situation in their departments. In addition to the Divisional Commissioners who have been directed to supervise relief operations in the districts under their Divisions, Secretaries/ Principal Secretaries have been assigned districts for close monitoring and guidance and to oversee relief work in the drought affected districts. The Chief Minister personally monitors the situation with the members of CMG, Departmental heads concerned, Ministers and others. The actual rainfall recorded during the current agriculture season till 31 th July, 2010 is only mm against a normal mm, showing a deficit of more than 23%. The data of rainfall recorded in all 38 districts till 31 th July, 2010, by and large reveals scanty/ deficit rainfall throughout the State. Though the whole state is suffering from the scanty/ deficit rainfall situation during this peak season of sowing the main paddy crop, the impact has been the worst in the districts south of the Ganges where all the 17 districts have a rainfall deficit of more than 20% with Buxar district recording a whopping deficit of 70%. Likewise, the impact has been worst in 11 out of 21 districts in north of Ganges where the rainfall deficit is more than 20% with Sitamarhi being the worst hit with 60%. In addition to the shortfall in the rainfall, the severity of the summer heat this year has further worsened the situation. The following charts/tables show the extent of deficit in the rainfall during peak sowing season of the kharif crops (paddy and maize) i.e, between 1 st June 4

5 and 31 th July, 2010 in the whole State ( Source: Department of Agriculture, State Government): MM Status of Railfall Normal, Actual, Normal Actual Figure 1: Normal and actual rainfall in Bihar Table 1: Week-wise Rainfall during the sowing period Kharif 2010 Week ending Actual Normal Deficit % (in mm) (in mm) 09/ / / / / / / /

6 Figure 2: Week-wise normal and actual rainfall during sowing season Table 2: Month-wise Rainfall during Kharif 2010 Month Actual Normal (in mm) (in mm) Deficit % June July st June to 31 th July % Figure 3: Month-wise actual& normal rainfall Though the deficit in rainfall has affected almost all sectors, its impact has been worst on agriculture. This has been extraordinarily devastating for agriculture in Bihar because of its timing and duration which corresponds to sowing and transplantation of the main cereal Kharif crop, i.e., paddy. The fact 6

7 that 26 districts of Bihar were badly hit by drought last year further compounded the grim scenario in agriculture sector. The deficient or no rainfall situation throughout the state has adversely affected normal agriculture conditions. Both the irrigated and rain fed areas have suffered substantially due to this unexpected situation. The situation has been more calamitous mainly because it has occurred in the crucial months of June & July, it has hit the districts of the State having the most potential for paddy and also because it has struck those districts which were affected by drought last year as well. As per the figures available with State Agriculture Department, the main paddy crop coverage till 31 th July, 2010 in the state had been only 13,37,369 ha against the target of 35,50,000 ha, showing an overall shortfall of 62.33%. If it does not rain sufficiently during the next few weeks in the months of August and September, this limited transplanted paddy may also wilt or if saved may give very little yields for want of water and lead to complete devastation in most of the districts. The other main Kharif crop, i.e., maize has also suffered substantially with a shortfall of 21.78% against the target fixed for the year This will cause unprecedented loss to the farmers mainly because of severe loss of these two main cereal crops of the Kharif season. The district wise percentage of crop (paddy) coverage and rainfall deficit is as in Table 3 (the rainfall figures of Darbhanga, Munger and Begusarai districts are based on reports of respective District Magistrate). As a result of this scanty rainfall situation, the coverage of crops has been severely affected. Table 4 below shows the coverage status till

8 Table 3: Shortfall of rainfall & paddy coverage No. District Shortfall of Rainfall up to 31 th July (%) Coverage of Paddy (%) 1 Patna Nalanda Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Kaimur Gaya Jehanabad Arwal Nawada Aurangabad Munger Sekhpura Lakhisarai Jamui Bhagalpur Banka Saran Siwan Gopalganj Muzaffarpur W Champaran 23 E. Champaran Sitamarhi Sheohar Darbhanga Madhubani Samastipur Begusarai Saharsa Supaul Madhepura Purnea Kishanganj Araria Katihar Khagaria Vaishali

9 Sl. No. Table 4: Status of Crop Coverage till (area in Hectares) Name of Districts Target Paddy Coverage Coverage % Target Maize Coverage Coverage % 1 Saran Siwan Gopalganj Muzaffarpur E. Champaran W. Champaran Sitamarhi Sheohar Vaishali Darbhanga Madhubani Samastipur Begusarai Saharsha Supaul Madhepura Purnea Kishanganj Araria Katihar Khagaria Patna Nalanda Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Bhabhua Gaya Jehanabad Arwal Nawada Aurangabad Munger Sheikhpura Lakhisarai

10 36 Jamui Bhagalpur Banka State Total The total estimated crop damage during Kharif 2010 is 2,26,128 hectares for paddy seedlings, 7,23,628 hectares for paddy transplanted, 2,31,677 hectares for maize, 30,386 hectares for pulses, 3,635 hectares for oilseeds totalling to 12,15,474 hectares. A detailed district wise statement is at Annex 1. The total loss of production of rice due to the erratic monsoon would be 25, 60,389 MT. A detailed district wise statement for rice crop loss is at Annex 2. The estimated loss of production of maize would be 2, 32,764 MT. A detailed district wise statement is at Annex 3. The monsoon failure has not only pushed both farmers and the agriculture labourers to the brink of despair with agricultural activity slowing down drastically leading to impoverishment, but it has also affected other important sectors like livestock, drinking water, health, employment and food. Paddy is as important a cereal crop providing food to the millions of people as it is for the animals providing them the bulk of dry fodder as paddy straw. With loss in the Kharif production there will be heavy shortfall in the production of paddy straw causing serious problem to cattle-rearing farmers. This shortage/ failure in the rainfall will certainly cause shortage of feed & fodder and drinking water for the animals in near future. This may also cause several diseases in the cattle and loss in milk production. The surface and ground water in different regions of the State is showing a declining trend. The normal water table at most of the places is showing a declining trend and surface water resources like ponds and ahars (traditional water storage structures particularly in southern parts of the State) are drying up. A number of hand pumps in different areas has become non functional due to fall in the ground water table. The situation is going to further deteriorate and create unprecedented shortage of drinking water in near future. The shortage of water may also lead to various health problems and diseases among the human beings turning the situation more severe. 10

11 The absence of work avenues for the agriculture labour in the rural areas may cause their migration to other states which would eventually lead to deterioration in the quality of life of the work force and the State may face shortage of labour during Rabi cultivation. 2. Indicators mentioned in the Crisis Management Plan (CMP), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India and the Drought Situation in Bihar As stated in the previous paragraphs, the overall situation of deficit in the rainfall and paddy transplantation in the State is really very severe and may be devastating if it does not rain sufficiently in the near future and steps are not initiated to meet the challenges. As per the indicators in the Crisis Management Plan (CMP), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, for monitoring drought, the situation in Bihar has passed the Warning phase and entered the Emergency Stage. The Indicators and the real situation of the State vis a vis the indicators is shown in the following Table 5. Bihar Table 5: Drought indicators of Ministry of Agriculture and situation in WARNING INDICATORS Delayed in onset of monsoon. Deficit Rainfall for more than two weeks. Acute water crisis. (May- Mid July) (Rainfall is less than the normal rainfall and below-19% and the deficit continues for more than 3-6 weeks & Soil moisture, GW & SW level is lower than previous normal average) SITUATION IN BIHAR SW Monsoon delayed by two weeks. Till June end the rainfall shortfall 32% July end rainfall 23% shortfall EMERGENCY INDICATORS Deficit or no rainfall during the sowing period. Mid season withdrawal of monsoon. Dry spell for more than 4 weeks Deficit rainfall in the range of - 20% to -40%. Wilting of Crops SITUATION IN BIHAR The sowing season for Kharif suffered due to deficit rainfall June end rainfall 32% shortfall) and July end rainfall 23% shortfall 11

12 due to shortage of water and continuing heat wave conditions. (Jul-Sep) (Rainfall is less than the normal rainfall and below -25% and the deficit continue for more than -6 weeks & Soil moisture, GW & SW level is alarmingly low). Rain shortfall < 20 % - 6 districts Deficit rainfall in the range of 20 to 40 % - 15 districts Rain shortfall 40 % and above- 17 districts. The shortfall in paddy coverage 62.33% and in Maize coverage 21.78% till end of July If situation continues the transplanted crops will also wilt The State has entered the emergency phase 3. Steps taken by State Government so far The State Government has been keeping a close watch on the situation right from the beginning, especially the rainfall pattern and the crop coverage. The Government had formally established the Crisis Management Group (CMG) comprising Secretaries/ Principal Secretaries of different line departments under the chairmanship of the State Chief Secretary. The situation is being continuously reviewed and monitored at regular meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary. District Task Forces have been constituted to review and monitor the situation at district and lower levels. Review and monitoring of the situation is also being done by Ministers & Departmental Secretaries at department and district level. Chief Minister personally monitors the situation with the members of CMG, Departmental heads concerned, Ministers and others on regular basis. In view of the drought prevailing in the state, the State Government has already initiated measures to provide immediate relief to the affected population and also make necessary preparations after scientifically estimating the future scenario likely to arise due to scarce water conditions. Besides making necessary arrangements for irrigation, fodder and drinking water for cattle and other animals, the State Government has stepped up its efforts to create job opportunities for landless labourers through the schemes implemented by the Rural Development Department including MNREGS and other poverty alleviation schemes of other Government departments. The State Government also plans distribution of gratuitous relief to the drought 12

13 affected families after their grain stock is exhausted. The Government has also issued orders for storing one quintal grain in every Panchayat as a revolving stock for combating emergencies. Assessing the enormity of the problem caused by the drought and its impact on the state population, the State Government with its limited resources is trying its best to tackle the situation effectively. The major steps taken by state government include- Agriculture Sectoro Diesel subsidy has been Rs. 200 per acre per irrigation for two irrigation for paddy seedlings. Diesel subsidy has also been Rs. 200 per acre per irrigation for three irrigation of transplanted Paddy and two irrigation of Maize for whole state. o Rs Crore released to districts for Diesel Subsidy to save Paddy seedlings. o An additional amount of Rs Crore sanctioned for Diesel Subsidy to irrigate Kharif crops. o Rs 50 crore sanctioned and released for Seed Subsidy for Kharif 50% of cost of the seed. o Weekly advisory is being issued by Department of Agriculture to the Officers for their respective districts in consultation with scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras. o Contingency crop planning is being publicized through mass media. o Steps taken to encourage farmers to take 'toria' as cash crops. o Under Bihar Bhoojal Sinchai Yojana ( BIGWIS), farmers are being given a subsidy of 45% and loan of 45% for installing one pumpset and tubewell/dugwell for irrigation; farmers have to meet the margin money of 10%. o Steps being taken to energise the state tubewells nonfunctional due to electric faults and make those irrigation worthy. 13

14 Energy Sectoro A minimum power supply of 5-6 hours being ensured in the rural areas for irrigation. o Control Room made functional at Bihar State Electricity Board Hqrs. to monitor power supply in the Rural Areas. o Burnt/ defective Transformers being replaced on priority basis in Rural Areas so that the farmers can irrigate their farms using their own electric pumps. Drinking Watero Contingency plan estimated at Rs crore for maintaining drinking water supply in the entire state in light of shortage of rainfall. o Scheme for Rehabilitation/ Rejuvenation/Special repair of hand pump amounting Rs crore sanctioned. o For sinking of sustainable Tubewells with India Mark-III pump scheme worth Rs crore sanctioned. o Mini piped water supply Scheme worth Rs crore in small villages with electric pump for installing 1560 sets sanctioned. o Mini piped water supply Scheme worth Rs crore in remote villages with solar pump for installing 473 sets sanctioned. Health Sectoro Instructions issued to all districts for addressing health issues in the context of prevailing situation o Fully equipped Mobile Medical Units sanctioned for all districts. o All necessary drugs available in all health facilities. 14

15 Livestock Sectoro Places identified with drinking water facilities for establishment of cattle camps (preferably near State tube-wells). o Fodder blocks manufacture started by Bihar State Cooperative Milk Federation (COMFED). o Funds made available to all districts to purchase veterinary medicines. o Awareness generation material published to save cattle from heat and water scarcity. Employment Sectoro Instructions issued to all districts to generate more employment opportunities in rural areas by taking projects related to tree plantation and water conservation. o Under MNREGA, works related to water conservation like deepening of ponds, canals, pynes (canals), ahars (check dams); social forestry; micro irrigation works, provision of irrigation facility, drought proofing, etc., taken up; 4. Declaration of Drought An estimation of the status of the drought was made on the basis of information collected through various sources mentioned below: 1. Reports received from District Magistrates regarding deficient/ scanty rainfall, coverage of kharif crop, especially paddy transplantation, impact of deficient rainfall on other sectors and actual field level situation and prevailing ground realities. 2. Recommendation of the Deptt. of Agriculture based on crops coverage and rainfall shortfall 3. Recommendation by Secretaries /Principal Secretaries in charge of certain districts and Divisional Commissioner of Koshi division based on field assessment. 15

16 On the basis of the information collected through the above sources the Government of Bihar has on , declared 28 districts as drought affected, and decided to constantly monitor the situation in the remaining 10 districts. The indicators mentioned in the Crisis Management Plan of the Union Ministry of Agriculture were duly considered while deciding the drought affected districts. The names of 28 districts which have been declared drought affected are Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Arwal, Nawada, Munger, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Banka, Saran, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, Sheohar, E. Champaran, Madhubani, Samastipur, Darbhanga. In case the situation in remaining 10 districts worsens they may also be declared drought hit. Map of Bihar showing the 28 drought hit districts is given below: 16

17 The deficit in rainfall data and coverage of paddy in these 28 drought hit districts are shown in the table below: Table 6: Shortage of rainfall and paddy coverage in 28 drought hit districts No. District Shortfall of Rainfall up to 31 th July (%) Coverage of Paddy (%) 1 Patna Nalanda Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Kaimur Gaya Jehanabad Arwal Nawada Aurangabad Munger Sekhpura Lakhisarai Jamui Bhagalpur Banka Saran Siwan Muzaffarpur E. Champaran Sitamarhi Sheohar Darbhanga Madhubani Samastipur Begusarai Vaishali Steps to be taken in the drought affected districts Following the declaration of drought in these 28 districts, the State Government has immediately taken the following steps to give immediate relief to farmers for the financial year Suspension of realization of cooperative loan 17

18 2. Suspension of realization of land revenue and cess, 3. Suspension of realization of irrigation dues and electricity dues related to agriculture from the farmers in these districts The State Government has entrusted its different departments to follow the key tasks in the main sectors which have been affected by drought Agriculture Sector: Agriculture input subsidy for diesel, seeds, seedlings, etc. Action to facilitate alternate cropping & providing agriculture loan to the farmers. Diesel Subsidy has been provided for two irrigation in paddy seedling. In addition to this diesel subsidy is being provided for 3 irrigation of paddy and 2 irrigation of maize for whole state. Contingency plan for strengthening alternate water sources for irrigation to be prepared and implemented by Water Resources and Minor Water Resources Departments Bihar Ground Water Irrigation Scheme to be publicized and implemented on a war footing. Schemes relating to recharge of ground water to be taken up. Making state tube wells functional. Drinking Water Sector: Drinking water facility has to be provided in affected areas. Damaged / defunct hand pumps & drilled tube wells to be made functional and new hand pumps installed wherever required. Transportation of water from nearest available areas by tankers, tractors/ trucks loaded with P.V.C tanks wherever required. Ensuring supply of drinking water in urban areas of the affected districts as well. Uninterrupted electric supply has to be provided for piped water supply systems in urban areas. Sufficient submersible pumps to be kept in all affected districts as standby, for immediate replacement of damaged pumps to ensure uninterrupted water supply. 18

19 Help lines/ Control Rooms for registration and redress of grievances relating to drinking water. Food Grain Sector: Ensuring availability of sufficient food stocks in all affected districts. Effective monitoring of Annapurna & Antyodaya Yojana. Sufficient food stock to be kept ready for GR distribution wherever required. One quintal grain to be stored at Panchyat level as revolving stock. Livestock Sector: Ensuring sufficient availability of fodder in the affected districts. Alternative arrangements for drinking water for animals Temporary cattle camps wherever necessary Ensuring availability of sufficient medicines for animals. Deployment of mobile Veterinary Medical Teams in all affected districts. Employment Sector Works under NREGA to be taken up to generate additional employment opportunities. Schemes relating to water conservation, such as digging of new ponds and deepening of existing ones, construction of check dam, afforestation/ tree plantation etc to be taken up and bank of sanctions to be kept ready. Energy Sector: Continue providing uninterrupted power supply to the farmers for 5-6 hours Replacement of burnt/defected transformers in the rural areas. Health Sector : Stocking sufficient medicines at all health facilities Deployment of Mobile medical teams in all affected areas. 19

20 Social Welfare Sector Special care to be provided to pregnant women and children of affected areas under existing ICDS schemes as well as ensure supplementary nutritious food supply to such vulnerable sections. Sufficient quantity of ORS packets and Paracetamol tablets stored in all Anganwadi Centers. 6. Assistance Sought from Centre I. Agriculture (a) Agriculture Input Subsidy: Agriculture has been the worst victim of the deficient Monsoon rainfall during the months of June & July. It is estimated that standing crop in an area of 12,15,474 ha. has been damaged to the extent of 50% or more. This includes the huge loss suffered by the farmers as they put Paddy seeds in the field which dried up. According to CRF/NCCF norms farmers are entitled to Agriculture Input subsidy when they suffer 50% or more loss of their standing crop. The rate of Input subsidy is Rs. 2000/ha for rainfed areas and Rs.4000/ha. for irrigated area. According to CRF/NCCF norms an amount of Rs crore will be required for the Agriculture Input subsidy. (b) Diesel Subsidy The State Government has decided to provide subsidy for purchase of diesel to irrigate the kharif crops. The subsidy included diesel subsidy for irrigating the Paddy seedling, standing crop & to plant the new crop. An amount of Rs crore has been 200 per acre per irrigation for 2 irrigation to save Paddy Seedling. Similarly an amount of Rs crore has been 200 per acre per irrigation for 3 irrigations to transplanted Paddy & 2 irrigations to Maize crop. Therefore a total amount of Rs crore would be required for diesel subsidy. (c) Seed Subsidy State Government has decided to provide 50% subsidy on purchase of certified seed for kharif 2010 and Rabi crop season. The subsidy 20

21 amount will include the subsidy available under the ongoing scheme. An amount of Rs 275 crore would be required for seed subsidy for Kharif and Rabi season taken together. Thus, the total requirement to tackle drought in the agriculture sector is Rs crore. II. Minor Irrigation In order to save the standing crop and to enable the farmers to grow Rabi crops, the existing infrastructure for minor irrigation would need to be revamped. Vigorous monitoring of the functioning of state tube wells is being done by the Crisis Management Group and Minor Water Resources Department. The Department has prepared a contingency plan to mitigate drought impact under which following actions are being taken:- 1. To increase number of functional state tube wells, 2. To make most of 1350 nos. of DG Set operated state tube wells, installed under RIDF Phase-8, functional, 3. Immediate removal of mechanical fault of tube wells, 4. To ensure presence of Tube well Operators round the clock at the functional tube wells. 5. Regular Co-ordination meeting with officials of BSEB for supply/ installation of 131 nos. of transformers for those tube wells which are non functional due to unavailability of transformers only. 6. Govt. of Bihar has sanctioned a subsidy of Rs per litre on purchase of diesel for irrigation purposes by farmers. This subsidy will be released by Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Bihar through Panchayats. This includes DG set operated state tube wells installed under RIDF Phase Department has ensured presence of tube well operators according to the schedule of availability of electricity provided by BSEB. In order to implement the contingency plan the Department of Minor Water resources require fund amounting Rs crores as detailed in the Table

22 Table 7. Funds required by Minor Water Resources Dept for tackling drought Sl. Items Amount Assessment Norms or Details 1. State Tubewell: (a) Channel Repairing & Construction (Only Old Rs Cr. Repairing/Construction of 1000 m of Channel for 1500 Rs Lakh per 100 feet. State Tubewell) (b) Pump house Repair (Only Old State Tubewell) (c) Motor Pump etc. (d) Repair of DG Sets, Motor Pumps, Pump Houses, Channels of State Tubewell constructed under RIDF Phase-8. Rs Cr Repairing/Construction of 750 nos.of Pump Rs. 1.0 Lakh per PH. Rs Cr. Repairing/ Replacement of Old Motor Pumps and other electrical and mechanical items. Rs Cr. Repair of DG Sets, Motor Pumps, Pump Houses, Channels for 1350 Rs Lakh. 2. Surface Irrigation Rs Cr. Construction of traditional system of irrigation, i.e. Ahar and Pynes. 3. Ground Water Rs Cr. Artificial Recharge of Ground Recharge Water only in South Bihar. Total:- Rs Cr. Total requirement to tackle drought in the Minor Water Resources sector is Rs crore. III. Drinking Water Sector The Public Health Engineering Department is the nodal agency for providing safe drinking water to rural areas. The drought conditions have led to a drastic fall in the water table and drying up of all sources of drinking water. The drought plan for providing drinking water to villages includes repair of all existing hand-pumps, rural and urban piped water supply systems. The length of the intake pipe of the hand-pumps will have to be increased so as to reach the water table. Some new hand-pumps will have to be drilled to provide drinking water at villages where the water table has gone so low that just lowering the intake pipe will not help. Water will have to be supplied through tankers in some villages. A detailed contingency plan to provide drinking water has been prepared for the 28 drought hit districts amounting Rs

23 crores (Annexure 5-i). The overall assistance sought from Central Government admissible under CRF is given in Table 8 below. Table 8: Central assistance sought to supplement drinking water supply during the drought Sl.No. Name of Schemes Nos. Amount (in Lakh) Annexure Upkeeping of running Rural Piped - Water Supply Schemes Transportation of Drinking water to scarce villages/habitations See annexure 5-ii 3 Upkeeping of drinking water supply & transport of drinking water for Urban areas. 4 Setting up control room with spare parts of hand pump, motor pumps, and labour gang for redressal the problem immediately, supervision & monitoring in each P.H division. 28 Towns See annexure 5-iii See annexure- 5-iv Total Say Rs crores Thus, the total requirement to tackle drought in the drinking water sector is Rs crore. IV. Food Grains Gratuitous Relief (GR) As per para 1(f) of the CRF norms, Rs. 20/- per adult and Rs.15/- per child per day is to be paid as gratuitous relief to those who have no food reserve and who have no other immediate means of support. It is estimated that there are around 63,92,625 persons in the 28 districts who belong to the most vulnerable category and may face starvation if not given Gratuitous relief as per CRF norms. This number includes old persons above 60 years of age, widows, persons with disability, infirm and destitute. The district wise details of 23

24 such persons is at Annex 6. They would require gratuitous relief till the Rabi crop is harvested. A total of Rs crore (Three hundred eighty three crore fifty six lakhs Rupees) will be required to meet this expenditure for 30 days; Rs crore (Seven hundred sixty seven crores twelve lakhs Rupees) for 60 days and Rs crore (Eleven hundred fifty crores sixty eight lakh Rupees) for 90 days. Thus the total amount requirement is Rs crores to give GR to the eligible persons under CRF norms. V. Kerosene Oil Requirement of kerosene oil Also, 1,50,01,701 families will be required to be provided 3 litres of kerosene per month, over and above the existing allocation under the PDS. An additional 4,50,05,103 litres (45,005.1 KL ) of kerosene will have to be provided per month under this arrangement for provision of kerosene to the affected families. VI. Supplementary Nutrition There are 61,431 Aganwari kendras are in the drought affected districts. Around 24,57,240 Children of age 6 months - 3 years would be required to be given as supplementary Rs. 2/- per day for 90 days, i.e., Rs crore. Also around 24,57,240 children of 3 years-6 years would also be given supplementary nutrition@ Rs 2/ per day for 90 days, i.e., Rs crore. Thus, the total requirement for supplementary nutrition for 90 days during the drought is Rs crore VII. Livestock Sector Generally no immediate problem arises to livestock due to drought. But in case it prolongs for longer period, it affects the fodder & water supply with prospective effects. To compensate it, the contingent Action plan prepared is as follows:- 24

25 (a) Fodder for Cattle Camps Generally, availability of animal fodder is not a major problem at the time of drought as the residue of agriculture product of the previous year is used for fodder, but drought has a long lasting effect on animal fodder. It is worth mentioning that the 417 blocks of 28 districts are facing with the drought problems and it is expected to affect nearly 1, 31, 49, 513 animals (cattle and buffalo species). Expecting the drought problem 1251 animal camps are being proposed to be setup in all the 417 blocks of the 28 district where availability of fodder and water for animals could be a problem. As per the CRF norms, provision of Rs. 10/- for small animal per day and Rs. 20/- for large animal per day for availability of fodder, could be taken up. So, nearly Rs crores per 1,000 animals will be spent on an average of Rs. 15/- per animal per day as per expectation. As per CRF norms, the total expected money to the tune of Rs crores for 60 days will be needed to meet the expenditure. (b) Veterinary Medicines There are 645 veterinary dispensaries in 28 drought affected districts. An amount of Rs. 50,000/- per dispensary is to be made available, for the purpose of making medicines available in the affected districts. Rs crores (645 x 50,000/-) will have to be provided. The Department of Animal & Fisheries Resources has allotted Rs crores (One crore, Eighty Nine lakhs) to the above mentioned districts. At present 17 types of medicines are available in all the dispensaries. Moreover the DAHOs have been instructed to make arrangement for extra medicines, necessary to meet the crisis. (c) Use of private land for cattle camps If situation deteriorates animal camps are to be set up in 417 blocks of 28 district by this department. List of proposed camps is given at annexure 7. These camps will generally be set up near the state tube wells or other natural water reservoirs. Animals of the concerned blocks will be kept in these camps during severe drought situation. Camps might have to be set up on the private land of the villagers for which the land owners will have to be Rs. 500/ camp/ month for at least two months. Moreover tents will have to be also erected for the protection of the animals from scorching sun, rain etc. Payment for tents will also have to be made. For this a provision of Rs. 25

26 5000/- per tent has to be made. Besides, troughs will also have to be provided in the camps for feeding & drinking to animals. For this purpose, contingency of Rs. 5,000/- per camp has been provided. Thus altogether Rs Rs. 16,000/- per camp will have to be managed for the payment to land owners, tent owners & for contingency expenditure. (d) Carriage of fodder from divisional depot to cattle camps :- There will be need to carry the fodder from fodder depot, which can be set up at divisional headquarter. For this Rs. 5,000/- per truck will have to made available. Thus it may cost Rs crores. It is worth mentioning that a truck carriage 6 tonnes of fodder. 500 animals may be fed with one truck load of fodder. Thus crores will be spent for 1251 camps for 60 days on carriage of fodder. Work plan 1) The amount for the purchase of fodder will be spent by Department of Animal & Fisheries Resources. 2) District administration will bear the extra cost on carriage with the fund made available to it by Department of Disaster management. 3) Assessment for the medicines, chemicals etc. will be made by concerned veterinary officers. 4) Stocks verification of the items purchased by DAHO will be done by District Administration. Assistance sought as per CRF/NCCF norms for Drought (Rs. In Crores) Items Assessment for assistance 1 Provision of fodder in the cattle camps Water Supply in cattle camps Additional Cost of Medicines & Vaccines (Calamity related requirements) Transportation of fodder from fodder depot T o t a l or say

27 Thus, the total cost of contingency plan for cattle requires Rs Crore as per CRF/ NCCF norms. VIII. Employment Sector Rural Employment In Bihar about 40-60% people are landless labourers. In the drought situation, acute shortage of employment in rural areas occurs. Hence, a large population would be in search of employment in the drought affected areas. In Bihar the major programme for generation of employment is taken up under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS). It is operational in all districts of Bihar. A total of 95, 22,677 job cards have been issued to poor families in the rural areas of 28 worst drought affected districts till June, Plan of Action In view of large demand of employment in drought affected areas we have to launch special schemes for employment. The Department has directed at the District Programme Co-ordinators to continue execution of schemes in rainy season and to ensure measurement of the earthwork after every two days. They have been asked to ensure that adequate number of technically approved schemes in the shelf of projects of all the panchayats in the state is kept ready and labour budget is reassessed in the drought affected areas, accordingly. As against approved Labour Budget (FY 10-11) in the 28 worst drought affected districts to the tune of Rs crore concomitant with Central Liability of Rs crore, the Central Government till date has released Rs crore in above mentioned districts. After accounting for the opening balance of Rs crore, it is proposed that the entire unreleased amount of Rs crore central share to these districts be released in a single tranche at the earliest. The district wise detail for the release of Central Share under MNREGA is given at annexure 8. However, to provide employment of 100 days under MNREGA, a labour budget of Rs crore would be needed. The concomitant central 27

28 liability in the budget would be Rs crore. Hence after we spend the approved labour budget as above, we would approach for the remaining amount of central liability which would be Rs = Rs crore. The district wise detail for requirement of labour budget for 100 man days is given at annexure 8.1 Line departments are also being asked to prepare additional projects which shall be included in the shelf of projects to be cleared by respective Zila Parishads. A special drive is being launched in the drought affected districts to give job cards to those who may ask for it. IX. Energy Sector a. Power Subsidy Bihar State Electricity Board has started providing power to rural areas continuously for five to six hours since , in view of drought like situation prevailing in various districts. Bihar State Electricity Board will incur an estimated loss of Rs crore per month and Rs crore for three months because of tariff pattern in rural areas. b. Requirement of additional power The availability of power from Central Sector is around 1150 MW MW against allocation of 1692 MW. The average demand has shot up to 2500 MW over the months. The frequency has also come down owing to increased demand over the Eastern Region. Under the circumstances, the drawl of power from U.I. (Un-scheduled Interchange) for additional power requirement for providing supply to rural areas will be too costly and prohibitive. Further, such power from U.I. can only be drawn observing the stringent grid discipline. Hence, it is essential that a minimum additional allocation as well as availability of power to the tune of 330 MW is done to meet the emergent requirements of rural areas. 28

29 Thus, the total financial liability to meet the power requirements would be Rs crore. And additional requirement of power would be 330 MW. X. Health Sector Drought adversely impacts economy, environment, and the people s health, particularly the vulnerable section of the society. It is therefore required to be prepared for combating the diseases which occur during the drought period. Appropriate emergency medicines needs to be stockpiled. The availability of the medicine up to the PHCs level needs to be monitored. Along with this, to combat diseases due to/related to drought, following actions are being taken up: o Every district has been directed to have their own action plan, to combat the diseases due to / related to draught action should be at three levels:- a) Local Level b) In liaison with adjacent districts. c) Division & State Level. o Districts should incorporate the following points in their contingency action plan. 1) In time of emergency Arrangement of tents for temporary medical camp. 2) Arrangement of Maternity Huts for pregnant mothers. 3) Arrangement of Fogging machines with Malathion for spraying in camps as per need. 4) Arrangement of chloroscope for monitoring the purification of drinking water (training of the paramedical for such). 5) Arrangement of mobile medical units (Van) with Pathological / X-ray and drug distribution facility. 6) Arrangement of ambulance with life saving drugs & equipments. 7) Arrangement of vehicles for medical mobile team. 29

30 8) Arrangement of Isolation Ward in institution / medical colleges/ districts hospitals/ sub divisional hospitals & referral hospitals to combat the epidemic outbreak. 9) Arrangement of medical mobiles team with two additional medical mobile team (with fuel) - that can be sent to other disaster effected districts. 10) Arrangement of Mal - Nutrition Centers. 11) Arrangement of Psychological counsellor - during / after draught. 12) Arrangement of routine immunizations, special immunization programmes & National programmes. 13) Arrangement of funds for deputed medical officers / paramedical other then the districts (TA /DA etc.). 14) In special circumstances at sensitive places deputation of medical officers/ paramedical- maximum for three months / till the epidemic exists. o Other then the above any experiences learned from previous disaster will be incorporated into contingencies action plan from time-to-time. o Dy. Director, Health Services, Nodal Officer for Disaster Management would act as coordinator supported by OSD for epidemic & Disaster Management. To combat the diseases due to / related to Drought in a population of more than 1 crore 50 lakh families, arrangements have to be made for drugs, mobile medical teams and temporary medical camps. The estimated expenditure on such arrangements would be Rs 4.50 crore. XI. Bank Loan At times of crises like the present drought, it would be extremely difficult for the farmers to repay the loans taken for agriculture. The State on its own has suspended the collection of Cooperative bank loans. Commercial bank loans should also be rescheduled and the interest for the current year be deferred/ waived as per RBI guidelines. Banks should provide consumption loans and also agricultural loans at low rates of interest. 30

31 XII. Summary of Assistance On the basis of the estimation of assistance mentioned in the above paragraphs, a sector wise summary is as below: NO SECTOR ASSISTANCE In Rs Crore 1 Agriculture : Diesel subsidy, seed subsidy, agriculture input subsidy 2 Animal Husbandry : Fodder and cattle camps 3 Food Gratuitous Relief (GR) Other assistance 4 Kerosene Oil Additional allotment of K- Oil of KL per month 5 Supplementary Nutrition: For children below 6 years of age 6 Health Employment Generation Allotment over and above NREGS Drinking Water Power Additional power 330 MW 10 Minor Irrigation Finance Bank Loans TOTAL Rescheduling of commercial bank loans. Provide consumption loans & agricultural loans at low interest rates The assistance sought has also been summarized in a tabular form in Annex 9 31

32 Annex 1 Crop Damage Area due to deficient rainfall in Kharif 2010 Sr. No. Name of District Paddy Maize Pulses Oilseeds Total Seedling Transplanted 1 Patna Nalanda Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Kaimur Gaya Jehanabad Arwal Nawada Aurangabad Saran Siwan Muzaffarpur E. Champaran Sitamarhi Seohar Vaishali Darbhanga Madhubani Samstipur Begusarai Munger Sheikhpura Lakhisarai Jamui Bhagalpur Banka Total

33 Annex 2 Loss of Production of Rice due to erratic Monsoon behaviour Sl. Name of Dist. Normal Coverage Coverage this year Area Unsown Average Yield (Kg/ha) Loss from Area 60%(MT) Loss due to unsown 100%(MT) Total Loss (MT) 1 Patna Nalanda Bhojpur Buxar Rohtas Kaimur Gaya Jehanabad Arwal Nawada Aurangabad Saran Siwan Muzaffarpur E. Champaran Sitamarhi Seohar Vaishali Darbhanga Madhubani Samstipur Begusarai Munger Sheikhpura Lakhisarai Jamui Bhagalpur Banka Total