CM Fadnavis and DCM Shinde visit drought-prone regions in Maharas

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said a drought government resolution will be issued “in the next two days” to provide relief to farmers, after a Latur farmer broke down before him during his visit to assess the drought-like situation in Marathwada.

The farmer from Nilanga taluka sobbingly told the Chief Minister, “Pani nahi, nuksan jhala ahe (No water, suffering heavy losses.”

Mr. Fadnavis assured him that the proposed government resolution would focus on assistance to farmers for rabi crops and on making drinking water, fodder for cattle, and food grains available.

Fadnavis visits Latur and Dharashiv

Mr. Fadnavis on Wednesday (September 23) visited Nilanga taluka in Latur and Dharashiv districts, areas which received around 50% rainfall.

The visit came after Mr. Fadnavis on Tuesday (September 22) announced the formation of a subcommittee to handle the drought issue under the chairmanship of Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

He also said a drought GR would be issued by Saturday (September 26), announcing financial assistance for farmers who faced crop loss due to a long dry spell.

“Latur is the worst hit by drought this year and received less rainfall compared to last year, when the rainfall was at least 65% to 70%,” Mr. Fadnavis said.

“This has caused crop loss,” he added.

The Chief Minister’s remarks placed Latur at the centre of the drought assessment, with the district described by him as worse affected than last year despite earlier rainfall levels of at least 65% to 70%.

Shinde says drought declaration has no alternative

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also visited Akola district on Wednesday as the State government assessed the situation in drought-prone areas.

After witnessing the conditions in Akola, Mr. Shinde said, “There is no alternative but to announce a drought after witnessing the situation.”

He said farmers had suffered last year too due to heavy downpour, adding, “Last year also farmers suffered due to heavy downpour, and I stood with them; this year also I will stand behind them.”

Mr. Shinde further said, “Will do whatever is required to do as farmers also have the right to the State government treasury.”

His visit to Akola ran parallel to the Chief Minister’s visit in Marathwada, with both tours coming after the State government announced steps to address the drought issue.

State faces 17% rainfall deficit

According to State government data, Maharashtra is at present witnessing a 17% rainfall deficit.

The State has recorded 787.2 mm of rainfall against a normal rainfall of 953.2 mm.

Several regions in Marathwada, including Latur, have received less than 50% rainfall.

The deficient rainfall in the State is being attributed to El Niño.

The rainfall figures explain why the government’s announced response is focused not only on crop-related assistance but also on drinking water, fodder for cattle, and food grains.

Opposition presses for drought relief

Opposition leader NCP-SP Rohit Pawar, who has been leading a protest to declare a drought in the State, responded to the farmer’s distress in Latur.

“It is heart-wrenching to see a farmer breaking down before the Chief Minister,” Mr. Pawar said.

He highlighted the demand of ₹50,000 per hectare to farmers and Rs 25,000 per family to agricultural labourers.

“I have been witnessing all this from last eight to ten days in Vidarbha and Marathwada,” he added.

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule credited NCP (SP) Supremo and her father Sharad Pawar for writing to Mr. Fadnavis on the issue.

“The action have been taken only after Sharad Pawar raised the issue with the government through his letter,” she said.

The government’s promised drought GR, the Chief Minister’s assurance in Latur, the Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks in Akola, and the opposition’s demand for relief now converge on the same issue: farmers facing crop loss due to deficient rainfall and a long dry spell.

Source: The Hindu