Aagya Khabar
Janakpurdham

The Madhesh Provincial Government has declared the entire province as a drought-affected area, citing the prolonged lack of rainfall and the resulting agricultural crisis.

In a cabinet meeting held on Thursday evening, the government decided to make the declaration due to the environmental imbalance that has caused delays in the monsoon, severely affecting paddy plantation. The government stated that even the planted crops are dying, and cracks have started appearing in the fields, increasing farmers’ worries.

According to the provincial government spokesperson, the cabinet has decided to request the federal government to announce a special relief package for farmers directly impacted by the drought. In addition, donor agencies and partner organizations active in the agricultural sector have been called upon to provide necessary assistance.

The cabinet also addressed the drinking water crisis emerging in various districts of the province. It decided to mobilize necessary resources and means to resolve the issue. In particular, coordination has been initiated with the Federal Ministry of Water Supply to ensure water delivery through tankers in urban areas like Birgunj in Parsa, where the shortage has become severe.

The drought has put Madhesh’s farmers in a difficult situation, and the coming days are expected to be even more challenging. The provincial government has indicated its intention to move forward with immediate relief efforts and long-term solutions in collaboration with federal bodies and other concerned stakeholders.