Chandrapur drought: Collector orders all government officials to stay at headquarters

Chandrapur District Collector Vasumana Pant has asked the entire administration to remain alert in view of drought conditions in the district. She has directed that officers and employees of all government departments in the district stay at their headquarters. The Collector said that, given the severity of the drought, the whole administrative machinery must remain alert and quick.

Under the order, no one will go on leave of any kind or leave headquarters, except in very urgent medical circumstances. Prior permission is mandatory. The Collector is also chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, and the permission has to be taken from her. Without her prior approval, neither leave can be taken nor headquarters left.

The drought has caused water scarcity and a shortage of fodder in the district, and crops have been damaged. As a result, farmers are facing financial hardship. The government is implementing various relief measures and concessions in the situation. The Collector said the departments concerned will have to work fast to ensure that the benefits reach eligible farmers and the general public on time.

In view of the drought, the administrative machinery is being kept ready under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Officers and employees of every department have been directed to stay at headquarters and implement the drought relief measures related to their departments on time, and to act immediately on people's problems.

Collector Vasumana Pant has made it clear that action will be taken against those concerned if these directions are violated. The action will be taken under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.