This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.
An indian boy follows a herd of goat on a parched water pond in Kaushambi, nearly 25 kms from Allahabad, India, Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Much of India is reeling under a weeks long heat wave and severe drought conditions that have decimated crops, killed livestock and left at least 330 million Indians without enough water for their daily needs. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
Responding to a public interest litigation (PIL) related to the extreme drought situation in at least ten states in the country, the supreme court came down heavily on the state governments and criticised them for their ostrich-like attitude.
The country’s apex court observed that while Gujarat was late in declaring the drought situation, Bihar and Haryana continue to be in the denial mode.
"An ostrich-like attitude is a pity, particularly since the persons affected by a possible drought-like situation usually belong to the most vulnerable sections of society," the supreme court said.
Calling for a thorough review of the drought manual to ensure that such situations are declared without any delay, the court asked the central government to float a disaster mitigation fund and form a disaster mitigation force. The court also asked the state governments to consult the Union Agriculture Ministry within a week to review the situation
Emphasising on the gravity of the situation the apex court criticised the states for being silent even as a major part of its population continues to reel under extreme drought.
"The sound of silence coming from these States subjects the vulnerable to further distress... if a state government maintains an ostrich-like attitude, a disaster requires a far more proactive and nuanced response from the Union of India," it said.
According to an NDTV report, the judgement, quoting freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak, said the problem was not a lack of resources or capability, but the lack of will.
The court said the states were hesitant in acknowledging the drought and therefore did not reveal the true picture of the conditions.
While about a quarter of India’s population is hit by severe drought, the country’s weatherman’s forecast of a better-than-average monsoon this year is what is keeping hope alive for many.
Seeking consensus on issues like inter-linking of rivers, the government on Tuesday said in the Lok Sabha that the drought has affected over 1.5 lakh villages.
The House saw a discussion on the drought, water-scarcity and inter-linking of rivers, with members voicing concern over the worsening situation and demanding waiver of loans of farmers. The members also emphasised the need for working on war-footing to ensure that people do not suffer for want of drinking water.
Replying to the debate amid din and repeated disruptions by Congress members, Rural Development Minister Birender Singh said 313 districts, 1,58,205 villages and 4,44,280 dwellings in the country have been hit by drought.
Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian in the world with a net worth of $19.6 billion. He owns 41 per cent stake in Reliance Industries, which was founded by his father Dhirubhai Ambani. The company is India's biggest private sector firm, and operator of the world's largest oil refinery complex. Ambani next plans to create India's first 4G wireless network. He owns a $500 million home in Mumbai and owns the Mumbai Indians team in the Indian Premier League. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. Billionaire Managing Director Dilip Shanghvi Interview(02 of09)
Open Image Modal
Dilip Shanghvi is India's second richest man, with a net worth of $19.3 billion. Shanghvi is the founder of Sun Pharmaceuticals, India's biggest drugmaker by market value and the second-largest generic-medication producer in the world. He started the company with just two people in 1983; today it employs over 14,000. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
India Wipro(03 of09)
Open Image Modal
Azim Premji is the chairman and largest shareholder of Bangalore-based Wipro, India's third-biggest software exporter. He owns a majority stake in the company. He transferred over $4 billion worth of shares to his foundation. He also owns PremjiInvest, which manages about $1 billion of his wealth, and invests in startups. He has also signed the Giving Pledge, the first Indian billionaire to do so. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Pallonji Mistry(04 of09)
Open Image Modal
Reclusive tycoon Pallonji Mistry is fourth on the list, with a net worth of $16.4 billion. He heads the 143-year old Mumbai-based construction firm Shapoorji Pallonji Group. His son Cyrus succeeded Ratan Tata as chairman of Tata Sons. Pallonji's biggest asset is also tied to the same company, in which he has a 18.4 percent stake. He became an Irish citizen in 2003, but his major investments and businesses are all in India. (credit:imgkid)
Shiv Nadar(05 of09)
Open Image Modal
Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies, and HCL Infosystems, is India's fifth richest person with a net worth of $14.9 billion. HCL Technologies is India's fourth-largest software exporter. He is also an avid collector and owns $85 million worth of art. (credit:Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
Lakshmi Mittal(06 of09)
Open Image Modal
Lakshmi Mittal is chairman and largest shareholder of ArcelorMittal, the world's biggest steelmaker. He is the sixth richest Indian in the world with a net worth of $13.6 billion. Mittal also owns 34 percent stake in Queens Park Rangers, the English Premier League club. (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Gautam Adani(07 of09)
Open Image Modal
Gautam Adani worth $7.1 billion, is founder and chairman of Ahmedabad-based Adani Group and the biggest shareholder of publicly listed Adani Enterprises. The companies are present in varied sectors such as coal mining, power, ports, energy, textiles and agriculture products. It also has a joint venture with Wilmar, the world's largest palm oil producer. Adani is a college dropout, and started as a diamond trader. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Uday Kotak(08 of09)
Open Image Modal
Uday Kotak is India's wealthiest banker, with a net worth of $7.1 billion. He controls the Mumbai-based Kotak Mahindra Bank, with assets of $20 billion, that has commercial and investment banking operations, insurance and brokerage services. He is also the owner of Business Standard newspaper. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Micky Jagtiani(09 of09)
Open Image Modal
Micky Jagtiani is the ninth richest Indian in the world with a net worth of $6.7 billion. Based in Dubai, he is the chairman of Landmark Group that operates retail stores in the Middle East and India and has franchise rights for international brands such as Steve Madden and Fitness First. Also has a stake in Debenhams, the second-largest clothing retailer in the United Kingdom. (credit:BCCL)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.