No drought-like situation in State: Govt

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today set aside the allegations of drought-like situation in State even as Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) claimed several areas received scanty rainfall this year.

Speaking on the adjournment motion moved by the Congress, Revenue Minister Maheswar Mohanty said the State registered 9.9 per cent less rainfall than normal by September 13 this year.

As many as 74 blocks witnessed 19 to 39 per cent less downpour while 25 other blocks have 39 to 59 per cent less rain than normal, Mohanty informed the Assembly.

As per a report of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), ten districts of Odisha registered less rainfall than the normal between June and August.