UP CM Yogi Adityanath puts Uttar Pradesh on alert for heatwave and drought preparedness

He directed regular monitoring of fertiliser availability and maintaining enough buffer stock and also stressed promotion of natural farming, stating it would reduce costs while improving soil quality and water conservation.

The chief minister expressed grief over loss of lives in recent storms and directed all necessary steps to prevent a repeat of such incidents.

He called for improving early weather warning systems to ensure timely dissemination of information to the public and farmers, and directed deployment of over 19,000 trained disaster volunteers, home guards and civil defence personnel for quick response.

On food security, he directed timely distribution of foodgrains under the public distribution system, maintaining adequate stocks and seeking additional allocation from the Centre if needed. Strict action was ordered against hoarding and black marketing.

For crop protection, he directed wide publicity of subsidised seeds and agricultural advisories, along with effective implementation of crop insurance schemes and timely settlement of claims. He also asked officials to ensure easy access to loans under the Kisan Credit Card scheme.

The forest department was directed to ensure drinking water for wildlife in sanctuaries and bird reserves, and adequate water, fodder and medical care in cow shelters.

The chief minister said there should be no shortage of drinking water and asked officials to keep alternative arrangements such as tankers ready alongside piped supply schemes.

Officials were told to closely monitor sensitive areas and complete de-silting of canals, ponds and other water bodies by May 30 to boost water conservation. The CM directed that excavated soil from ponds be provided free of cost to the Prajapati community and traditional Kumhar potters, with district magistrates ensuring wide publicity to support livelihoods.

The CM directed that control rooms remain active from the state to district level, with regular updates shared with the CM Office, the chief secretary and the director general of police (DGP).

During a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with ministers and senior officials from agriculture, irrigation, animal husbandry, social welfare and horticulture, the CM ordered special monitoring in 18 drought-prone districts and directed an assessment of the situation between June 15 and July 30, while telling officials to seek NDRF assistance if required.