Mumbai, Oct 11 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the state government is undertaking detailed planning to provide employment, foodgrains, drinking water and fodder for livestock in drought-affected areas over the next six to eight months.
He said the government would procure fodder at declared rates and arrange for its storage.
“Water sources have dried up in several parts of Maharashtra, particularly in small rural villages, necessitating extensive arrangements for tanker-based supply. “The government will also undertake desilting, repairs and rejuvenation of water storage structures under various Central and state schemes. Works in 25,000 villages had earlier provided relief even when the water deficit was between 15 and 17 per cent,” Fadnavis said, adding that software and mobile applications would be used to ensure transparency in implementation. The available fodder stock in various districts is estimated to last 90 to 120 days, the chief minister said, adding that production will be increased in watershed areas with adequate soil moisture.
Small farmers dependent on agricultural labour for livelihood are facing economic hardship, and the government will provide assistance through employment generation and food security schemes, Fadnavis said. The state government is planning to use technology to ensure transparent and systematic distribution of water through tankers,” he said. He said the state government will submit a detailed memorandum, supported by data and prepared in accordance with the Union government’s norms, to seek drought relief. “An advance memorandum had already been submitted following communication from the Union Agriculture Minister,” Fadnavis said.
