An order to this effect is expected on Friday, along with relief measures for affected farmers, said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday while touring villages in Washim, Vidarbha. He added that the state government will not wait for assistance from the Centre and offer immediate relief to farmers in the affected areas. MUMBAI: With more than 21 districts facing acute water scarcity due to deficient rainfall, the state government is expected to announce a drought-like situation in half of the 364 tehsils.
“I have visited various villages and held review meetings in several districts. There is a severe drought situation in districts such as Amravati, which has affected crops such as soybean, cotton, urad and tur. Wherever drought conditions are evident prima facie, we will declare those areas as drought-affected. It is possible that some of these areas may have been left out.
As per the drought code’s ‘Trigger 1’ parameters, we will issue an order declaring drought in the affected areas. We will also assess the situation under ‘Trigger 3’ and declare drought wherever warranted,” Fadnavis said. Officials aware of the matter said, ‘Trigger 1’— a rainfall shortfall of more than 25% along with a prolonged dry spell — parameters have been met in more than 21 districts.
The official said a drought can be formally declared only after assessment of the second trigger and that, until then, the affected areas would be classified as facing drought-like situation. The affected tehsils are spread mainly across Marathwada, Vidarbha, western Maharashtra and north Maharashtra, the official said.
Based on this assessment, a report will be sent to the Centre for financial assistance. “We will ensure that there is no shortage of fodder, water or food grains, and provide direct assistance on a per-hectare basis. “The ‘Trigger 2’ level, which takes into account groundwater levels, soil wetness index, sowing percentage and the crop distress index, will be assessed after September 30.
However, the state government has decided not to wait for central assistance and will provide relief to farmers in the affected areas,” said an official from the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. The government has formulated a uniform assistance policy given the widespread crop losses and will ensure that the relief reaches farmers before Diwali,” he said.
Because of the drought, next on the agenda is to ensure that the education of children is not disrupted. Wherever water is available, we will provide assistance so that farmers can undertake rabi sowing,” Fadnavis said. “Given the prevailing situation, we will embark on generating employment as soon as possible, with special focus on watershed development works. We will also undertake works such as removing silt from lakes and other water bodies.
