Ranchi, Oct 29 Jharkhand minister Irfan Ansari on Thursday wrote to deputy commissioners of all districts to conduct field surveys and assess the damage caused to paddy by cyclone ‘Arnab’.
He also directed them to provide compensation to affected farmers in accordance with rules.
Parts of Jharkhand have been experiencing light to moderate rainfall along with spells of heavy downpour since Tuesday evening under the influence of cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’.
Several farmers have reported major damage to standing paddy, owing to the cyclone-induced rain.
“Farmers work hard throughout the year to cultivate their crop. If their paddy is damaged due to a natural disaster, it deals a direct blow to their livelihoods and economic stability. The government is conscious of the plight of the farmers, and their concerns will be addressed,” Ansari, the State Disaster Management Department Minister, said in a release.
Ansari asked the deputy commissioners to send administrative teams to every village in the affected districts, and conduct on-site inspections of the fields.
“A list of affected farmers should be prepared, and steps must be taken to ensure compensation and relief in accordance with the established guidelines,” Ansari said.
The IMD has forecast more precipitation in Jharkhand on Thursday, with some districts experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall.
An alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Simdega till 8.30 am on Friday, it said.
Ansari, who also holds the health portfolio, directed civil surgeons to ensure emergency medical arrangements are in place at district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, community and primary health centres.
“They have been asked to ensure the availability of at least 10 additional beds, life-saving drugs, oxygen, ambulances, and medical equipment at every district hospital and other government healthcare facilities.
“Besides, instructions have been issued to ensure the adequate deployment of doctors and healthcare staff, along with making specific preparations to address cases related to lightning strikes, snakebites and rain-related diseases,” the minister added.
(PTI News)
