The unrelenting drought gripping key farming states in the U.S.

Almost 40 per cent glaciers in Afghanistan have been reduced in 40 years, whereas the glaciers supplying water to Ravi, Chenab, Beas and Jhelum Rivers are thinning,” said Dr Chaudary Inayatullah, C

A report on drought-like situation in Tirupur district by Department of Agriculture, which was accessed by The Hindu , has stated that 92,327 farmers were affected during the current financial year.

On the cropping area, the drought-like situation had taken a toll on 75,879 hectares brought under cultivation of various crops over kharif and rabi seasons during this fiscal till December 31.

Pune: With reservoirs in the state collectively holding 44% water, the state government has asked all divisional commissioners to reserve water for drinking purpose and restrict its usage for non-drinking purpose.

“At least 1,155 villages and 3,709 hamlets are facing severe water shortage. The state is providing water through 1,539 tankers to areas reeling under water scarcity. The state has spent Rs 248 crore to run fodder camps sheltering 1.69 lakh cattle,” a statement released by the government said.

Local bodies in Erode district have been allotted Rs 6.10 crore for water supply schemes to battle drought, according to Collector Dr V K Shanmugam

Crop-killing drought deepened in Kansas over the last week, further jeopardizing this season's production of winter wheat, a key U.S. crop.

Expressing protest against non-inclusion of Pudukottai district during the recent survey by a team of ministers in samba crop-affected districts, farmers staged a walk-out from farmers’ grievances day meeting here on Thursday.

As soon as C. Manoharan, Collector, came to the meeting hall and started explaining the recommendation by the district administration for certain relief package for the drought-prone zones, a group of farmers were up on their feet, lodging their protest and anguish.

‘Pune, Mumbai, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Thane Should Go For 100% Metered Supply’

Pune: Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said that the Pune city was not using water in a ‘sensible’ way and that such ‘luxury’ cannot be afforded on the backdrop of the unprecedented drought situation in the state. “There is severe drought in the state. Crops are drying and dairy business is affected. It’s a big challenge to keep the cattle alive… If we are not able to sustain drinking water supply, we will face an unprecedented situation... Pune is not using water in a sensible way... we cannot afford this luxury when the drought is so bad,” the chief minister said.

Irrigation Dept Might Not Sustain Existing Supply If Monsoon Is Delayed, Say Officials

Pune: In the face of an imminent drought, the state government has warned Puneites against “wasting and excess use” of drinking water for non-drinking purposes. Besides, it has categorically stated that no additional quota of water will be granted to the city. High-level meetings of civic officials and the state government representatives in the last two days concluded that it would be difficult for the state irrigation department to sustain existing supply if monsoon is delayed.