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, to assess the situation regarding below-normal rainfall and its impact in certain parts of the country due to El Niño. Senior officials from multiple ministries and departments including the Union Home Secretary, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Secretary, and heads of various technical institutions were present.
Shri Amit Shah stated that the government is continuously monitoring the monsoon rainfall situation and potential drought conditions arising from El Niño. 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. Specific instructions were given to focus on alternative, low-water-consuming crops such as fodder, millets, and pulses to mitigate water scarcity impacts.
The Home Minister directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti through the Department of Water Resources to monitor all water reservoirs and water bodies across the country, both large and small, including groundwater resources. He also instructed the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Power to ensure smooth and adequate electricity supply, particularly for agricultural and essential services.
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, indicating no immediate food security concerns.
Additionally, the Home Minister instructed that an 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 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.
The meeting included participation from Secretaries of 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, and Department of Science and Technology. Also present were members and heads of divisions of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Chairman of Central Water Commission, and officials from Indian Agricultural Research Institute and National Remote Sensing Centre.