Government Reviews Monsoon Situation and Flood Damage
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah and Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a comprehensive review meeting on July 3, 2026, regarding below-normal rainfall and its impact in certain parts of the country due to El Niño phenomena. Senior officials from multiple ministries and departments attended, including the Union Home Secretary, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary, and representatives from the 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, and Department of Science and Technology.
The government is continuously monitoring the monsoon rainfall situation across the country and potential drought conditions in certain areas resulting from El Niño. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah 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 Ministry of Jal Shakti was directed to monitor all water bodies—both large and small—and groundwater resources across the country, while officials from the Department of Water Resources were instructed to monitor all water reservoirs.
Regarding essential supplies, the meeting confirmed that adequate quantities of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available in the country, and prices of essential commodities remain stable. The Union Home Minister also directed the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Power to ensure smooth and adequate electricity supply.
Additionally, the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been deputed to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to assess damage caused by recent heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Both states have been significantly 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 the extent of damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and human habitations.