Guwahati, Aug. 1 -- Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that the government will make the final decision on declaring an official drought in Assam after August 15, based on advice from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

At a press briefing in Guwahati, Sarma explained, "Only 48 blocks across five western districts are still experiencing drought-like conditions. Most areas have improved." He added that rainfall since August 1 has provided relief and matched the IMD's positive forecast for the first half of August.

Despite this, local farmers remain concerned. Pawan Sarma, a farmer, said, 'The time to plant paddy is nearly over, and dry conditions are causing the saplings to struggle. I urge the government to...