Five Assam Districts Grapple with Drought-Like Conditions, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI– Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Friday that five western districts of the state—Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Dhubri, Baksa, and Bongaigaon—are facing a drought-like situation due to significantly deficient rainfall. The statement came during a press conference following a state cabinet meeting in Guwahati.

According to Sarma, data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the groundwater commission indicates that these districts have received 40% less rainfall than normal, leading to severe agricultural challenges.

“The cabinet has acknowledged the situation as a state-specific disaster and has given in-principle approval for the Revenue Department to formally declare these districts as drought-affected,” Sarma stated.

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He added that the situation could impact paddy harvests if rainfall does not improve in July and August. Farmers insured under the Fasal Bima Yojana scheme will be eligible for compensation as per the guidelines, the Chief Minister assured.

Additionally, the state government is mobilizing its Revenue and Agriculture Departments to provide immediate assistance to affected farmers. “We are committed to supporting our farmers through this crisis,” Sarma emphasized.

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The cabinet also approved Rs 342 crore for the ‘Mukhya Mantri Eti Koli Duti Paat’ scheme, aimed at providing financial assistance to tea garden workers, signaling the government’s focus on supporting vulnerable communities amidst the crisis.

While western Assam faces drought-like conditions, Sarma noted that some eastern districts, such as Tinsukia and Dibrugarh, have also experienced below-normal rainfall, whereas Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Charaideo have received excess rainfall. The uneven distribution has added complexity to the state’s agricultural planning.

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The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has criticized the government, alleging neglect and inadequate irrigation infrastructure, with only 10-21.5% of cultivable land having access to irrigation facilities. AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi accused the government of prioritizing political agendas over addressing the agrarian crisis.

As Assam battles this drought-like situation, the state government has pledged to monitor the situation closely and extend necessary support to mitigate the impact on farmers and rural communities.