Government Of Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT

Natural Calamities-Continued drought conditions in the State of Tamil Nadu-Declaration of drought affected districts-Orders-Issued.

REVENUE DEPARTMENT

G.O.Ms.No.43
Dated 24.1.2003.

ORDER:-

As against the normal annual rainfall of 979 mm, the State has received 745.7 mm, which is 24% less than normal during the Calendar year 2002. Even in the districts where the deficit in rainfall has been less than 20%, the onset of monsoon was very late and its duration was very short and hence it was not possible to raise crop in time resulting in loss of productivity. The rainfall has not been evenly distributed and the storage position in the reservoirs and tanks has been abysmally low. Out of 16 major irrigation reservoirs in the state, as many as 10 have got less storage compared to last year. The combined storage of these reservoirs on 21-1-2003 was only 16% of the total capacity. The poor storage position in the reservoirs does not hold out much hope for any improvement in agricultural production. Almost 90% of the medium and minor irrigation sources are also dry.

2. As a consequence, agricultural labourers have been thrown out of employment on an unprecedented scale.

3. Due to non-release of Cauvery water during Kuruvai season an area of 0.512 lakh hectare was only covered against the normal area of 2.074 lakh hectares in the delta districts leaving 1.562 lakh hectares fallow. In the entire State, during the Kuruvai season the total coverage for all the crops put together was about 50% only and in almost all the areas, the yield has been poor.

4. The Mettur reservoir was opened on 6th September 2002 for Samba paddy cultivation and the farmers were advised to plant medium and short duration varieties taking cognisance of the limited availability of water. However, due to the non-release of adequate water from Mettur reservoir, the Samba prospects are also bleak. There is a shortfall of 1.258 lakh hectares in Thaladi coverage. Most of the cultivated areas have been facing severe water stress and the prospects of a normal yield are very bleak. The crops have started withering and the farming community is put to a lot of hardship. The value of production loss is expected to be substantial. There are many reports of distress among the delta farmers.

5. Due to the continuous dry spell over the last few seasons, the ground water level in all districts had gone down deeply. Despite some rains during the northeast monsoon season, there is no appreciable improvement level in the ground water level. The Collectors of almost all the districts have been reporting that severe water crisis is expected in the coming months. Despite undertaking a large number of works for augmenting water supply sources for almost Rs. 142 crores from the Calamity Relief Fund, Collectors have been reporting that there will be acute shortage of drinking water supply in the next few months.

6. The fodder availability has become scarce and the more than 2 crore cattle population of the state is facing acute shortage of fodder.

7. The Government after taking all these factors into consideration and also on the basis of feedback from the Collectors declare all the 28 districts in the State except Chennai as drought affected for the purpose of undertaking relief works like employment generation works under the special component of the SAMPOORNA GRAMIN ROZGHAR YOJANA and water supply works. A decision regarding remission of land revenue and relief of other types will be taken later after the receipt of reports from the Collectors regarding the coverage of crops and the yield of crops in the harvested areas.

(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)

LAKSHMI PRANESH,
CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT.

To

The Special Commissioner and Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Chennai-5.
Secretary to Government, Finance Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Highways Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Rural Develop Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Social Welfare and Noon meal programme Department, Chennai-9.
Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department,Chennai-9.
The Director of Rural Development, Chennai-15.
The Director of Animal Husbandry Department, Chennai-5.
All District Collectors.
All District Treasury Officers.
The Chief Engineer(WRO), P.W.D., Chennai-5.
The Chief Engineer, Highways and Rural Works, Chennai-5.
The Accountant General, Chennai-18.
The Accountant General, Chennai-18(By name).
The Accountant General, Chennai-35.
The Accountant General(Audit-I), Chennai-35.

Copy to:

Finance(B-Coord/Revenue)Department, Chennai-9.
SF/SC.

/Forwarded By Order/

SECTION OFFICER.