Following the deficient monsoon this season, the state government has swung into action and have begun implementation of the contingency action plan across all the 26 districts of Gujarat.
The decision to evoke the contingency plan was taken during review by a high-powered committee which had met yesterday to assess the situation due to inadequate rainfall in the state. The committee was chaired by chief minister Narendra Modi.
After reviewing the situation, Modi asked the administration to be compassionate to the problems of the people and remain committed to provide enough water for irrigation, drinking purposes, fodder and other essential commodities and provide employment opportunities in rural areas. He also asked the high-powered committee to monitor the situation on daily basis looking to the gravity of the problem. The chief minister also asked the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam and Water Supply and Water Resources Department to complete early the works related to canals, pipeline-based water grid schemes which they were to take up after monsoon.
According to the state government committee the situation was graver in villages of Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat regions.
Modi reviewed and discussed proposal for Centre's assistance to be placed before the Central Team scheduled to visit Gujarat on August 3.