Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the state will conduct surveys to assess crop losses following October 5. This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to farmers impacted by a prolonged drought. The Chief Minister noted that preparations for these assessments are already underway, as many regions are experiencing significant agricultural distress due to insufficient rainfall.

During a flag-hoisting ceremony for Hyderabad Muktisangram Din in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Fadnavis elaborated on the drought conditions reported in large parts of Maharashtra. He highlighted that 18 districts are currently facing challenges, with estimates that nearly fifty per cent of farmers in the state are affected by the conditions.

Fadnavis reassured farmers that the government is committed to providing assistance during this difficult period. While assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is anticipated, he stated that immediate financial aid will be sourced from the state’s funds prior to receiving federal support.

Financial Assistance and Plans for Infrastructure Development

The Chief Minister announced a waiver of outstanding electricity bills for farmers, amounting to Rs 48,000 crore. In addition to this financial relief, he shared plans focused on enhancing water supply, promoting industrial growth and improving road infrastructure, particularly in the Marathwada region.

Fadnavis acknowledged the longstanding development challenges that have faced the Marathwada area, which is now further burdened by drought conditions. A report indicated that the Dharashiv district has not had rainfall for 80 days, potentially leading to crop losses ranging from 80 per cent to 85 per cent. This lack of moisture has severely impacted the vital growth stages of local crops.

The district collectorate has reported cases of farmers resorting to feeding their livestock with dried remnants of damaged crops. In response to these challenges, the Chief Minister mentioned that the government has made arrangements for the potential shortages of fodder and safe drinking water.

Long-term Water Management and Industrial Growth Initiatives

Fadnavis emphasized that relevant strategies are in place to ensure that the Marathwada region does not continue to face drought issues in the future. He stated that the first phase of a project aimed at supplying water is nearing completion, with the approval for a flood mitigation project now secured from the World Bank. This initiative is expected to provide an additional 30 TMC of water to areas including Beed, Latur, and Dharashiv.

The Chief Minister also indicated that the development of a river-linking project to transfer water from the Konkan region to the Godavari Valley is in the final stages of planning. This endeavour aims to address the water deficit in the Godavari Valley by providing nearly 70 TMC of water, with a commitment to accelerate its completion.

Furthermore, the government is working to establish a consistent water supply for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar as part of a wider strategy for industrial expansion in the area. The Chief Minister revealed plans for acquiring an additional 8,000 acres to facilitate this growth, which he believes will attract substantial investment and create employment opportunities.

Fadnavis concluded by affirming that crucial infrastructure developments, including Maharashtra’s largest elevated road, are planned for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to address traffic congestion linked to the industrial zones in the region.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share