Maharashtra rain: Marathwada farmers gherao Minister Dattatray Bharne as he tours flood-hit areas, seek immediate aid

As many as eight people were killed as heavy rain pounded several parts of Maharashtra in the past few days.

After sensing the anger among the farmers, the minister immediately called up the officials and directed them to conduct an immediate ‘panchnama’ so that required assistance could be extended to the aggrieved farmers.

“Like Vidarbha, Marathwada has also received excess rainfall, affecting crops on thousands of acres of land. Several villagers have been displaced. As per our initial estimates, crops on 70 lakh acres have been affected. Besides, livestock has been washed away, houses have collapsed or have suffered huge damage,” Bharne told reporters.

The Agriculture Minister said the “panchnama” of the crop damage is being conducted on war-footing.

“This is a natural calamity. We will have to face it. But the government did whatever was possible from its end to alleviate the suffering of farmers and villagers. The government will stand firmly with the flood-affected people of Marathwada. As soon as the panchnama is over, we will start distributing the assistance. If the panchamas are not completed, we will still start distributing the compensation before Diwali,” he said.

The minister said that the state government will follow the norms set by the Central Government while distributing the compensation. ”This government belongs to farmers. Even if there are certain norms, the government will submit its proposal to the state government. The government will always stand by and support farmers,” he said.

This is the second time in four days Bharne had to face the anger of farmers. In Washim on September 21, Bharne was mobbed by farmers. ”The rain has washed away all our crops. How will we celebrate Diwali now?” asked farmers when Bharne had visited the Amani area of Malegaon taluka. Bharne is the District Guardian Minister of Washim.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two Deputy Chief Ministers are also touring the flood-ravaged parts of Maharashtra along with their cabinet colleagues on Wednesday.

Minister Girish Mahajan faces ire of farmers in Dharashiv district

On Tuesday, it was Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan who had to face the wrath of farmers. During his tour of the flood-affected Dharashiv district, the motorcade of Mahajan was stopped by villagers at Chinchpur village in Bhoom taluka.

They complained to him about their plight and how no assistance had reached them. In response, Mahajan said, ”I will tell the administration to help you out. I have not come here with money.” As commotion prevailed, the Minister, instead of going to other villages, headed for Barshi in the neighbouring district.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said, ”This issue relates to the state cabinet. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and two Deputy Chief Ministers will decide about it. The rain that Marathwada witnessed is unprecedented. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The damage is huge. Crops have been lost, livestock washed away, people have been displaced. I have been in touch with the Chief Minister for the past two-three days. I have discussed everything with the Chief Minister.”