IN A bid to tackle drought effectively, the Maharashtra government has planned to link its water conservation projects with environmental preservation. Elaborating on the plan, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The long-term measures to root out drought and farmer suicides in the state would require environmental preservation.” Fadnavis plans to hold talks with Union minister for Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar on the issue.ff Maintaining that the government has adequately loosened its purse strings to tackle drought, he said, “Till now, through multiple schemes across various departments, almost Rs 18,000 crore have been spent.” [related-post] Besides taking a scientific approach to soil treatment and embarking upon a mammoth tree plantation drive, the CM said he has roped in experts from the agro-sector. Watch Video | Video Of Water Train Arriving In Latur While acknowledging that drought in state remains a matter of grave concern, he added, “The government has been been relentlessly pursuing Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan to tackle the root cause of drought.” Latur district in Marathwada, which is amongst the worst-hit this drought, has ensured that the government sends across at least 70 lakh litres of water through trains. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the Centre would scale water conservation works in the drought-stricken parts across country to bring relief. WATCH INDIAN EXPRESS VIDEOS HERE
