Damage to crops due to drought being assessed: Bhalla

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 10: The Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla today informed the House that the concerned Deputy Commissioners have  reported that damages have been caused to the Rabi crops, due to heavy rainfall at the time of harvesting. However, there were inadequate rains during sowing season of Kharief 2012 in some areas of erstwhile Doda District.
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion of M.S. Niaz, the Minister said that damages caused due to the heavy rains during harvest season are not covered for payment of relief to the affected farmers in terms of SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) norms, as heavy rains are not included in the list of Notified Natural Calamities which are notified for payment of relief under SDRF norms by the Government of India.
However, losses due to un-precedented drought have taken place which are being assessed and the exact quantum of loss will be worked out only after completion of Girdawari Kharief-2012 which has commenced from September 1, 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by October  15, 2012. As soon as the final damage report/requirement of funds is received, the matter will be taken up with the State Executive Committee for consideration of release of funds in terms of State Disaster Response Fund.