Hyderabad: With about 40 percent deficit rain during the monsoon season in parts of the state and the contraction in the planting, the government of Andhra Pradesh has directed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) to “make Yagnas” in the temples to God for rain.
Quoting former “Shastras,” the government said these yagnas were performed to the general welfare of society, to increase soil fertility, to invite the rain, peace and health Welcome to society.
With this in mind, the EO (executive), TTD is directed to perform Yagnas and Yagams, Abhishekams etc. in order to receive good rains every year at the time of onset of the monsoon season, and also in several other times as necessary to ensure multiple benefits for society, “said a Government Order.
According to state government officials, Nelore and four districts of Rayalaseema region – Kurnool, Kadapa, Chittoor and Anantapur – received 39.2 percent less rainfall during the southwest monsoon current.
The government’s decision has provoked criticism from a section of environmentalists calling it “ridiculous.”
“In these times of today is not so ridiculous? Weather events such as rain and drought are affected by climate change and other factors, there are perfectly rational and scientific explanations for what is happening” a spokesman for the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment said in an email response.
As environmentalists, we have also pointed out again and again that we have fallen into our management of water resources and agriculture. Instead of looking for real solutions to state why he indulged in exercises like this? He asked the spokesman.
However, justifying the order, the government said that the Vedic rituals are an important part of the culture of the temple and since time immemorial, indigenous people have been carrying out Yagnas and Yagams each year to promote deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Varuna, Agni and Indra.
A senior Agriculture Department said the four districts of Rayalaseema is “reeling under drought-like situation” after receiving significantly less rainfall.
The area sown during the kharif season has shrunk by almost 40 percent to 8.77 lakh hectares against 13.68 lakh has normal in the four districts, according to official figures.
“Although it was not officially declared a drought like situation in Rayalseema, our department (agriculture) is preparing to support farmers with seed supply for growing contingency. Also, 1.39 lakh quintals of various seeds like cowpea, horse gram, pulses Raagi and remain ready to be supplied to farmers, “the official told PTI.
Rainfall across the state was more than 10 percent less than normal during the current monsoon season, while the area planted was reduced by over 6.5 lakh hectares as on date, the official added.
