World News | Nepal Declares Madhesh Province Disaster-affected Zone Amid Severe Drought
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. The Nepal government on Wednesday declared Madhesh Province as a disaster-affected zone, responding to an acute water shortage and prolonged drought that have severely disrupted agriculture and drinking water supplies.
Kathmandu, Jul 23 (PTI) The Nepal government on Wednesday declared Madhesh Province as a disaster-affected zone, responding to an acute water shortage and prolonged drought that have severely disrupted agriculture and drinking water supplies.
All eight districts of the province, often referred to as Nepal's rice bowl, have been grappling with a severe drought for over a month.
The decision to declare Madhesh province as a disaster-hit zone was taken during a Cabinet meeting.
Only 33 per cent land of the province witnessed paddy plantation, though Nepal recorded an average 70 per cent paddy planting in this monsoon season, officials said.
Also Read | INR vs USD: Rupee Falls for 6th Straight Session, Ends 3 Paise Lower at 86.41 Against US Dollar.
“The prolonged lack of rainfall has led to the depletion of groundwater sources, drying up rivers and canals, and causing an extreme shortage of drinking and irrigation water,” Water Supply and Irrigation Minister Pradeep Yadav said.
Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, affirmed the government's commitment to addressing the water crisis in the province.
The government is working towards finding long-term and short- term solutions to resolve the water crisis facing the region, he said.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)