By Ajay Ghoka, Reachout's Content Developer
3rd May 2000

 

                  Andhra Pradesh today is under its worst ever drought of the century with over 17,431 villages severely affected by drought. 18 out of the 23 Districts of AP have been declared dry districts and what's more out of the 100 million people affected by the ongoing drought in India, 40 million alone are from Andhra Pradesh. The drought has wreaked havoc on crops, throwing farmers into a debt trap. The spectre of pesticide deaths, is once again back to haunt the Andhra farmers. Villagers are committing suicide by consuming pesticide because they can't seem to decide whether the little water they have should be used for drinking or to water their crops. 37 deaths have been reported from the state so far. Out of them 19 are from the most backward and drought prone Mahboobnagar district.

An appeal on the drought situation affecting India

The drought which is sweeping across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh
and Andhra Pradesh in its wake has wrought terrible loss of life and wiped out large number of live stock population. This drought seems to be the worst in the post independent period and it has exposed chinks in the Armour of the independent Indian state, its inability to prevent droughts. The govt which is gloating on its success in conducting nuclear tests should realize that its worth is not measured by building its military might but is  reflected in its ability to provide quality life for its people.

In Rajasthan and Gujarat women trek miles together to fetch a pot of water .The pictures flashed across by the media presents heart-breaking sight of the plight of women going into nearly dry wells by tying ropes around their waist to get water and what disturbed us most at Reachout was the death of a women, a mother of four who died when the rope around her waist was broken.

It is estimated that around 100 million people are affected by this drought. It is time that we break away from the mould of regional mindsets. Let us think truly national, truly Indian. Please do contribute whatever little you can to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Let us all get  together, lets prevent a bigger catastrophe.

Reachout appeals you to contribute to your lesser privileged brethren. Please send your donations

The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund 
The Prime Minister's Office
South Block
New Delhi-110011

An issue to ponder.........

The above pictures are from  India Today (dated May 8th,2000 page no: 48 & 49) whose cover story was on the drought situation. In page no 48 there is an image of a frail old man with nothing to exhibit except his skeletons, and in the next page (page no 49) there is an advt which shows three Bikini clad  girls. It is a real irony that India today is a paradox. At one side is the real India, ill-fed, malnourished and without water. While the other side is the Indya well  fed and in great shape with plenty of water in its pools. Now who is to be blamed? 
Reachout ponders..........