Sanjay Kumar Pandey
Ranchi, EW Correspondent: The drought in Jharkhand has cast a long shadow over the region, with famine clouds gathering ominously. The earth in Palamu is parched, and the people are helpless. Many residents in various neighborhoods of the city may be forced to migrate in search of drinking water. There is no sign of rain. Leaves are wilting, seeds sown during the first rain are sprouting but drying up, and those sown in hope after the first rain are struggling to sprout. The earth, despite its desire, cannot provide its children with the joy of a good harvest. The tragic memories of past famines are resurfacing. Farmers’ hopes are being shattered. Despite this, they cannot bear to see their fields lying fallow in the monsoon. They take their plows to the fields and attempt to till the soil. Many farmers have reported that without rain, their plows are not sinking into the ground. Poor farmers’ livelihoods have been destroyed, as they rely on a single crop grown with the help of the rain each year. Farmers say that what little they had left is also slipping away. Rural women discuss amongst themselves that perhaps this year, no one will remain in the village. Wherever they find food and water, they will go, leaving entire villages empty. These women do not want to do any other work; they want to live and die in the fields. Most of Palamu’s ponds, reservoirs, and dams have very little water left. Palamu has faced severe drought and famine more than 20 times. Today, the entire region is without water. The 1992-93 famine shook the Indian government so much that the then Prime Minister was compelled to visit the famine-stricken area. Farmers had hoped for ample rainfall this time, but their worries have been compounded by the fickle behavior of the monsoon. People estimate that there will not be enough rain this time. If the situation does not improve by August 15, it will be difficult for Palamu to survive the great famine. If the situation does not improve, many people in several neighborhoods of Medininagar city may migrate in search of drinking water. Farmers in Palamu are now completely frustrated and are considering migrating elsewhere. It is possible that they may begin to migrate in August. Almost every year in Palamu, hundreds of people die due to lack of food, drought, water, and health services. Many villages will be found where people sit outside their homes, children cry for food and water, and young and old women are wrapped in rags. Women go miles for water. Today, everyone is worried about why the earth is so thirsty. Urban residents are concerned about the water level in their wells, while farmers keep their eyes fixed on the sky. There are concerns that the situation may be heading towards drought. Talking to the villagers, it seems they are now disheartened and appear worried. It is worth noting that Palamu is full of rivers, streams, and hills. Even if it rains, the water from this land flows out of Palamu, leaving its people watching helplessly
