Avoid unnecessary spending, use water sparingly: CM Fadnavis

After drought was declared in 265 talukas across the state, the state government has begun relief work. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday appealed to citizens to show sensitivity amid the drought situation, avoid unnecessary spending and plan the use of available water to prepare for possible water shortages in the future. He also directed the administration to plan so that the water currently stored in major dams lasts until July-August 2027, meaning dam water should be used while keeping account of the next nearly two years.

Speaking about cutting expenses on weddings and other functions, Fadnavis said sensitivity is needed given the drought situation. Spending on some essential things cannot be avoided, but expenses that can be avoided or reduced should be cut. He said that if unnecessary spending on weddings or other functions is reduced, the savings could be used to help drought-affected people. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to extend not just financial help but other forms of assistance as well.

Heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh caused flooding in the Bhamragad area of Gadchiroli district. The Chief Minister said the administration is providing necessary help to flood-affected people and that the state government is in constant touch with the local administration. He said the flood situation in the Bhamragad area is gradually easing and life there is returning to normal.

The government has already begun planning for a possible drinking water crisis. Every district has been instructed to prepare its own water plan. The Chief Minister said the focus is on reviewing the water currently available against future requirements to ensure supply lasts until July-August 2027. The government is also monitoring the El Nino situation, with the current El Nino expected to intensify further and peak by February, and planning is being done keeping this in mind.

The government has been receiving complaints that some talukas were left out of the dry drought list. These talukas will also be surveyed separately. Farmers who have suffered losses will be included under Trigger-3 and given assistance. The Chief Minister made clear that no farmer who has suffered drought losses will be left without help.