Akola administration begins drought preparations covering water, fodder and wildlife
With deficient rain this year, the Akola district administration has started a war room, a 27-km pipeline and fodder and water measures.
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Rainfall has been lower this year, creating drought conditions everywhere, and everyone will feel its impact. The district administration is taking measures to deal with the drought through water conservation, agricultural development and village infrastructure works. The Akola district administration is ready.
Under VBG and JIRAMJI, works such as deepening ponds and streams, farm ponds, irrigation wells, building bunds, desilting ponds, rainwater harvesting and tree planting are being taken up.
Plans for water supply, fodder availability and identified development works are being prepared in view of the drought. The plan has been completed in line with the government's instructions on which works to take up first during a drought. Along with arranging water, the emphasis is on saving it, and people are being made aware of this. A 24x7 war room has been started at the Collector's office so that people's problems during the drought can be resolved in time.
The contact number given to citizens is 8065909844. In addition, the situation across the district will be reviewed every Tuesday at 5 pm in the presence of all departments concerned.
The district has a large forest area. Deputy Conservator of Forests Sumant Solanke said that for wild animals during the drought, existing water sources will be developed as needed, alongside the forest's natural water holes.
Water scarcity is feared to worsen in the coming months. In view of this, a 27-km pipeline is being laid from Morna to Mahan for Akola city's water supply. Municipal Commissioner Sunil Lahane said the water of the Morna project will be released into the Mahan project through it, to meet people's needs.
The fodder development programme has been speeded up so that fodder remains available for livestock. Under it, seeds will be distributed to 2,500 farmers. Grazing of animals from outside the district has been banned. Taking fodder out of the district and selling it has also been prohibited.
The District Planning Committee's fund will be used for essential public works in the district during the drought. This opens the way for money for water supply, water conservation and other essential drought relief works. Given fears that water and fodder shortages will worsen, the administration has stressed long-term planning along with immediate measures.
