Lucknow, May 1: In light of the severe heat and the forecast of below-average rainfall this year, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the administration to remain on high alert. He emphasized that there should be no laxity in drinking water supply, irrigation management, or disaster relief efforts. All departments are required to anticipate conditions and ensure proactive preparations.
During a high-level review meeting with ministers and senior officials from the agriculture, water resources, livestock, social welfare, and horticulture departments, the Chief Minister directed special monitoring of 18 districts previously affected by drought. He called for a timely assessment of the situation based on established criteria between June 15 and July 30, and to ensure assistance from the NDRF if necessary. He also instructed that control rooms be active at both the state and district levels, with essential information provided to the Chief Minister’s office, Chief Secretary, and DGP.
To enhance monitoring of sensitive areas and accelerate water conservation, the Chief Minister mandated the completion of de-silting of canals, ponds, and water bodies by May 30. He also directed that the soil extracted from ponds be made available free of charge to the Prajapati community and traditional potters, ensuring widespread awareness by district officials to create livelihood opportunities alongside relief efforts. He stressed that there should be no shortage of drinking water in the state. Alternative arrangements, such as tankers, should be fully prepared alongside piped water supply schemes.
The forest department has been instructed to ensure the provision of drinking water for wildlife in sanctuaries and bird reserves, as well as to provide water, fodder, and medical facilities at shelters for stray cattle. Prioritizing farmers’ interests, the Chief Minister called for strengthening alternative irrigation systems, ensuring all tubewells are operational, timely repairs, and uninterrupted electricity supply for irrigation. He emphasized the scientific and balanced use of water, directing that no area should face a water shortage and effective control over misuse should be maintained. For crop protection, he instructed the distribution of subsidized seeds and extensive promotion of agricultural advisory services.
Focusing on the effective implementation of the crop insurance scheme, he called for timely assessments of damages and claim settlements. He also directed timely loan availability for farmer credit card holders to prevent economic hardships. Regarding food security, he instructed the timely provision of food grains to eligible beneficiaries under the public distribution system, maintaining adequate stocks, and obtaining additional allocations from the central government as needed. He called for strict action against hoarding and black marketing. For health safety, the Chief Minister directed hospitals to maintain proper arrangements to combat heat strokes and heat-related illnesses and to run extensive public awareness campaigns.
Additionally, he emphasized providing drinking water at shelters for stray cattle and ensuring sufficient stock of essential medicines in veterinary hospitals. To enhance the early weather warning system, timely dissemination of weather information to the public and farmers was instructed. He also directed the utilization of over 19,000 trained disaster volunteers, home guards, and civil defense volunteers as needed to ensure swift and coordinated action during any disaster.
Expressing sorrow over the loss of life in recent storms, the Chief Minister instructed all necessary precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Reviewing agricultural preparations, he directed regular monitoring of fertilizer availability and maintaining adequate buffer stocks, while also instructing the cooperation department to ensure fertilizer availability. To ensure transparency in fertilizer distribution, he mandated the implementation of a farmer registry system. The Chief Minister stressed promoting natural farming to reduce costs while enhancing soil quality and water conservation. While reviewing preparations for the Kharif crop year 2026-27, he emphasized effective operation of canal systems, ensuring irrigation facilities reach the tail end through tail feeding, and proper utilization of water resources.
He instructed that canal operations should not be limited to the head reach but should ensure equal water distribution to the tail end. This requires strict monitoring, accountability, and regular patrolling at the field level. The Chief Minister directed timely completion of canal de-silting and maintenance work, stressing the importance of maintaining the efficiency of the irrigation system. He stated that the state government’s priority is to provide timely and adequate irrigation water to farmers, and the tail feeding campaign should be implemented with utmost seriousness, transparency, and accountability to prevent any water shortage for farmers in any part of the state.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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