Uddhav Thackeray asks government why crop damage surveys are delayed amid drought

With rain failing across the state and drought-like conditions emerging in several regions, there is a growing demand for the government to declare drought immediately. Against this backdrop, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a press conference and directly questioned the state government. He said that while the Chief Minister has spoken of issuing a drought notification, it is still not clear when the actual panchnama (crop damage survey) process will begin.

Several districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada have been badly hit by drought, with conditions turning severe in many talukas. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had visited some villages in Latur, Dharashiv and Solapur in Marathwada the previous day, and is on a tour of western Vidarbha today. Thackeray targeted the government even as the Chief Minister was on this tour.

Thackeray recalled that last year the state government had announced a package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers affected by heavy rain and floods. Under that package, there was a provision to give assistance of about Rs 3.47 lakh per hectare for land damaged by silt. He demanded that the public be told how many farmers actually received help under this package.

Pointing out that the meteorological department as well as international agencies had predicted the possibility of drought at the very start of the monsoon, Thackeray asked what preparations the government had made for drought relief despite knowing this in advance.

Thackeray said that due to lack of rain, farmers have had to sow their crops two or three times over. There is a severe shortage of drinking water, fodder for livestock, and water stock in dams and wells. He expressed hope that there would be adequate rainfall at least for the upcoming rabi season.

Thackeray also sought clarification from the government on the issue of loan waivers. He said that during his government's tenure, a blanket loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh was given to farmers, and demanded that the current government disclose how many farmers have actually benefited from the loan waiver scheme it announced, along with a list of beneficiaries. He said a list was needed of how many farmers benefited from last year's package and how many have benefited from the current loan waiver scheme.

Thackeray said that with lower rainfall this year, crops withered and the kharif season has slipped out of farmers' hands. Noting that farmers already have the burden of debt on their heads, he said he himself has visited farmers' fields on many occasions to inspect the situation. He angrily asked what more was being waited for, when Chief Minister Fadnavis has said that panchnamas will begin only after October 5. Thackeray said angrily that farmers are at the end of their tether, with everything in ruins because of the fodder shortage, the burden of debt, and the worries of children's education and marriage.