A latest survey of the drought stricken Bundelkhand region lying across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh shows a crisis bordering on famine. While rains are at least 6-8 weeks away, drinking water crisis has hit its peak and has crossed the danger mark in the MP part of the region. Those living on the margins of society face hunger like situation and are being pushed into destitution. For cattle the famine has arrived; there are widespread reports of abnormally high number of cattle deaths of late amidst growing crisis of cattle fodder and water. This is when people look to their governments. Unfortunately both the state governments appear to have let the drought stricken citizens down at this critical moment. Uttar Pradesh government has made some special announcements for this region. Madhya Pradesh has not bothered even with this formality. On ground, formal announcements have not had much effect. MNREGS is not being used adequately – almost not at all by MP government – as an instrument of drought relief. Crop loss compensation due 6 months ago is yet to reach the farmers, especially in UP. Inaction by both state governments on anticipating and correcting the drinking water crisis is most shocking.
Please click here to read more.