Drought in 265 Maharashtra tehsils, Fadnavis promises aid for every victim

Rainfall was scarce in Maharashtra this year, and its effects are now clearly visible. The state government has declared drought in 265 tehsils so that people there can get the necessary help. Tehsils not yet on this list will also be assessed, and if needed, brought under assistance through Trigger-3.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to reporters in Nagpur, assured that no one suffering from the drought would be denied government assistance. He said 265 tehsils in the state have been found affected by drought due to insufficient rainfall and other reasons, and 12 kinds of measures and concessions have been implemented there.

Drought-affected farmers will be compensated for crop losses, but they will have to complete the prescribed process. The government will separately assess tehsils currently outside the drought list, and if conditions warrant, they too will get assistance under Trigger-3.

On drinking water, CM Fadnavis said a separate action plan has been prepared for each district regarding water availability in drought-hit tehsils, with drinking water given top priority. He said most of the state's water projects have provision for drinking water.

He said that only after water is reserved for drinking purposes through July and August will it be assessed whether the remaining water can be given for rabi crops. The government is also studying the situation caused by El Nino, which is expected to peak by the end of February. Decisions are being taken to prioritise the measures needed to deal with it.

CM Fadnavis also appealed to the public to support the government during this difficult time, asking people to avoid unnecessary expenses and come forward to help drought-hit areas.

He also said that heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh had caused flood-like conditions in the Bhamragad area of Gadchiroli district. The administration is providing all possible help to people stranded in the floods, and the government is in constant touch with the administration. He said the flood situation is gradually improving and life is returning to normal.