Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a high-level review meeting on July 3, 2026, regarding below-normal rainfall and its impact in certain parts of the country due to El Niño. The meeting was attended by senior officials including the Union Home Secretary, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary, and representatives from multiple ministries and departments.
Shri Amit Shah stated that the government is continuously monitoring the monsoon rainfall situation and potential drought conditions in certain areas. He directed the Ministry of Agriculture and all related ministries to remain vigilant and coordinate with state governments to advise farmers on appropriate crop selection. Specifically, he emphasized the need to focus on alternative, low-water-consuming crops such as fodder, millets, and pulses.
The Home Minister issued specific directives to multiple departments: the Ministry of Jal Shakti was instructed to monitor all water bodies—both large and small—and groundwater across the country; the Department of Water Resources was directed to monitor all water reservoirs; and the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Power was instructed to ensure smooth and adequate electricity supply.
During the meeting, officials confirmed that adequate quantities of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available in the country, and prices of essential commodities remain stable.
Additionally, the Home Minister instructed that the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) of the Ministry of Home Affairs be deputed to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Both states have been affected, with Assam experiencing rising floodwaters in multiple districts and Arunachal Pradesh facing landslides and road blockages in several hilly areas. The IMCT's on-the-spot assessment will evaluate damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human habitations.
The meeting included representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Rural Development, Department of Science and Technology, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and National Remote Sensing Centre.