Latur, As Latur in Maharashtra is reeling under drought, the district administration has decided to take step-wise actions, including identification of government wells and borewells, followed by acquisition of these water bodies and roping in tankers if required.
On September 26, the Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas, or 74 per cent of the state, amid rainfall deficit and announced relief measures, including crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions, and power bill subsidies.
Four persons, along with gram panchayat staff, would be deployed to manage the facilities, with water supplied to residents in two-hour slots. “The first step is to assess government wells and borewells, then identify private borewells and acquire water from them wherever necessary. The second component of the drought plan is ensuring adequate fodder for livestock. Works would include desilting of tanks and drains, rejuvenation of wells and recharge of old borewells.
Talking to PTI, Bastewad said the administration would first assess the availability of government wells and borewells in every village in Latur, followed by identification and acquisition of private water sources wherever necessary. He said the administration plans to install water tanks at five to six major locations in Wadwal Nagnath and provide taps wherever required. Bastewad said the administration had also identified additional wells that could be used if the situation worsened and arrangements for tankers would be made if required. He said the district administration was now preparing a comprehensive contingency plan for Chakur tehsil. If that is still insufficient, we will explore additional wells and borewells and, thereafter, arrange tankers,” he said. The administration will collect village-wise data on existing fodder stocks and assess how long they are likely to last, he said. Bastewad said villagers having access to water could be encouraged to cultivate fodder, while the administration was considering setting up fodder depots instead of relying solely on fodder camps. The administration would also encourage fodder cultivation through available government assistance and employment-guarantee schemes, he said.
