Odisha govt likely to declare drought-hit areas after 98 blocks face dry spell

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Thursday said it may declare drought in some regions since at least 98 of the state’s 314 blocks are experiencing a dry spell due to deficient rainfall during monsoon this year, officials said. The declaration may be done on 31 October, they said. “We have asked the district collectors to submit reports on the crop loss due to deficient rainfall by 22 October. The state government may go for declaring drought in some regions on 31 October keeping in view the prevailing situation,” chief secretary AP Padhi said. Padhi said 98 blocks in different districts have been hit due to deficient rainfall. “The situation in Bolangir, Baragarh and Nuapada is stated to be worst among the districts. However, the government will consider declaring drought after getting reports from the collectors,” Padhi said.