Shimla, Feb. 23 -- Shimla deputy commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap, while chairing a meeting regarding assessment of drought and water shortage due to less rainfall, on Saturday directed all departments should be ready to deal with drought-like situation in the district.

In the meeting, the meteorological department official said that this time there has been less rain and snowfall in the entire state, including Shimla district, though rain and snowfall are likely at the end of February.

DC Kashyap said, "Due to lack of rain, incidents of fire caused by drought conditions result in damage to forests which can be prevented by working with effective coordination and promptness."

However, the officials of the agriculture department apprise...