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Indian gov't asks states to find long-term solution to drought

Xinhua, April 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

With some parts of the country reeling under drought, India's central government on Wednesday asked the state governments to be prepared and find a long-term solution to tackle the natural calamity.

"You (states) should be ready for this kind of situation. You should be prepared. To fight drought, preparations can be made in advance. We should find long-term solution and not adhoc," Indian Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti said in the national capital.

Stating that she was aware of the crisis situation in the country, the minister said: "India is suffering due to climate change."

"More than 70 percent of blocks of the northern state of Punjab and Haryana are falling under dark zones now. States like Telangana and Maharashtra have reported water-deficit situations earlier too. But Punjab and Haryana tell us a tragic story," she said.

The Minister added "India had witnessed tough times in the past but managed to survive due to its strong spirit. India will overcome the current situation too." Endit