Despite more than four months, no compensation for crops damaged by hailstorm has been paid by the government to affected farmers. Now the green panel has sought reply from the Union agriculture secretary whether there is any provision of interim relief or other compensation from the department.

The central zone bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Union agriculture secretary to file an affidavit by September18 whether any assistance can be provided from the department in case of delay in funds' release from insurance company.

Agriculture Insurance Company (AIC) is yet to release compensation. AIC prayed for more time to comply with tribunal's earlier order of releasing compensation amount stating certain clearances were awaited from central and state government.

According to estimates by AIC, crop loss damages run into Rs 3,000 crore in the state.

Previously too, the NGT bench comprising judicial member Justice Dalip Singh and expert member PS Rao had asked the AIC to modify crop insurance scheme suitably "for incorporating grant of provisional compensation to enable farmers to tide over crisis for both their family and providing assistance for succeeding crop."

Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/