Gandhinagar

The Gujarat Ministers’ Sub-Committee for Drought Relief at its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel here today declared 121 villages in seven talukas of in Kutch, Jamnagar and Banaskantha districts as drought-hit, thus raising the total number of drought hit and semi drought hit villages to 1,115 villages in the state.

They included 58 villages of Nakhtrana, Anjar and Bhuj talukas in Kutch district; 52 villages in Vav, Suigam and Tharad talukas of Banaskantha and 11 villages of Jamjodhpur taluka in Jamnagar district.

In another decision, the Sub-Committee increased the quantum of water releases from the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) main dam on the Narmada from 1,200 MLD to 2,300 MLD with effect from May 15 to serve the priority areas served by the Narmada Command Area.

The water level at the 203 reservoirs in the state stands at 3245.93 million cubic meters, which amounts to 20.14 per cent of their total storage capacity, for drinking and irrigation purpose.

The meeting was informed that 504 tankers make 2,400 trips to serve 398 villages and 493 hamlets daily, the quantum decided as per the population. Even as 20,137 bores and hand pumps have been completed, 225 teams are busy to repair and maintain them.

Nearly 35.53-lakh families are provided job under MNREGA, including deepening 891 works, at a cost of Rs.100-crore. About 3-lakh kg grass and fodder is supplied to 46 cow shelters for 9,433 cattle and to 13 cattle camps for 7,933 cattle.

The Sub-Committee comprised Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasma as its Chairman, Finance Minister Saurabh Patel, Agriculture Minister Babubhai Bokhiria, Ministers of State Shankersinh Chaudhary and Tarachand Chheda, Chief Secretary G.R. Aloria and other senior Secretaries.

Mr. Chudasma said the situation is constantly being monitored and relief works could be increased as per the need.

– Information