Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an on-the-spot survey of crops damaged by strong wind and hailstorms in the state since late Friday night. He has instructed the concerned department to expedite the process so that compensation could be transferred to the accounts of the affected farmers within 24 hours.

CM Yogi has also warned the officers of strict action in case of negligence in helping the affected farmers.

On the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Principal Secretary (Revenue) P Guru Prasad has instructed all the District Magistrates, SDMs and Tehsildars of the state to conduct a survey on the spot. Also, instructions have been given to upload the survey report on the department’s portal as soon as possible, officials here on Sunday said.

It is worth mentioning here that a total of 7,020 from 50 districts had applied for compensation for the damaged crops till March 2. Following completion of the survey, compensation for crop losses will be provided by both insurance companies and the revenue department. In light of the adverse weather conditions, the relief department has issued a warning and urged individuals to venture out of their homes only for essential tasks.

Significantly, on-the-spot survey has been concluded for 2,681 applications, while efforts are underway at an urgent pace for 4,339 applications.

Additionally, with the adverse weather persisting, it is anticipated that further applications for compensation for crop damage will be submitted.

The highest number of applications for crop damage compensation, totalling 1,256, have been submitted by farmers from Hamirpur. This is followed by 997 applications by farmers from Jalaun, 969 from Mirzapur, 812 from Lalitpur, 650 from Jhansi, and 580 from Banda, in addition to more than 100 farmers from half a dozen districts.

Notably, compensation is paid only to those farmers whose crops are damaged by more than 33 per cent due to floods, hailstorms and unseasonal rains.

Meanwhile, the relief department has issued an alert in view of the bad weather on Sunday.

The department has predicted wind speed of 40-60 km per hour with hailstorms at many places in Amethi, Ayodhya, Bahraich, Barabanki, Gonda, Hardoi, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Shravasti, Sitapur and Unnao on Sunday.

The department has appealed to the people to come out of their homes only when absolutely necessary so that any kind of loss of life can be avoided.