CM Devendra Fadnavis sets up ‘war room’ in each district to tackle drought

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To ensure water supply in Latur, worst hit by drought, the government has decided to get railways to provide water supply. The CM hinted that they are working out a route to minimise water transportation distance.

According to Fadnavis, “The war rooms in every district will help us rise to any challenge that confronts the administration and reach out to people in the vicinity.” While acknowledging that government is set to provide all necessary help, he said, “I have asked district collectors to take strict action against those found selling water illegally.”

Fadnavis said, “In these hard times, when people and farmers are reeling under water scarcity, commercialisation and exploitation of resources whether water, fodder or foodgrains will not be tolerated.”

The local administration will have to rise to meet the situation. Wheat at Rs 2 and rice at Rs 3 kg are being provided through ration shops to ensure nobody goes hungry. Simultaneously, district administration has been asked to scale up Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan (water conservation) to generate more employment under NEREGA. The government has received 69,986 applications for farm ponds which are allocated to every farmer who demands one. Under this scheme, the government provides Rs 50,000 to a farmer who seeks a farm pond. The purpose is to generate water holding capacity in fields and ensure water percolates to the ground and helps in raising the water table. The collectors have been asked to exercise their powers across the departments and comply with requirements in their respective region. The collectors have been asked to submit district-wise plans for Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchan Yojna. A detailed review of groundwater survey and development agency (GSDA) will help in identifying feasibility of a farm pond at a particular location.

While maintaining that officials should exercise flexibility in deployment of water tankers to override water scarcity, Fadnavis said the compensation for crop loss and crop insurance schemes cannot be compromised and have to be effectively implemented at the grass roots. Every district has been asked to keep adequate stock of water and fodder. The CM has also urged officials to double the target of Indira Awas Shabri Schemes to fast-track the government’s housing for all scheme.