Ranchi: The Jharkhand govt has stepped up disaster response after unseasonal rain and hailstorms damaged crops across several districts, with disaster management and health department minister Irfan Ansari directing deputy commissioners (DCs) to submit detailed loss assessment reports within three days.To strengthen relief measures, the minister also announced a Rs 100 crore allocation under the disaster fund for immediate response and management. “Additionally, the another Rs 100 crore in 2026-27 is earmarked for compensating families affected by disasters such as heavy rain, storms, snakebite, road accidents, gas leaks and heatwaves. A Rs 150 crore is separately earmarked for disaster preparedness and contingency planning,” he said after chairing a review meeting on Thursday.“No affected farmer will be left alone. Delay or negligence in relief operations will not be tolerated,” he stressed.The hailstorm, which struck the state on Wednesday, caused widespread damage to mango, litchi, watermelon, muskmelon, vegetables, maize and pulses, besides affecting standing crops and fruit-bearing trees. “DCs have been asked to conduct on-site inspections, monitor vulnerable areas and activate administrative machinery immediately in case of emergencies,” he said.
