Stories
Maharashtra Drought: Govt Mulls 10% Urban Water Cut, Construction Ban in Scarce Areas
- •Maharashtra is considering a 10% cut in urban water supply and construction restrictions in water-scarce areas due to drought.
- •The state Cabinet sub-committee on drought mitigation discussed proposals after 265 of 358 talukas were declared drought-hit.
- •Officials are re-examining the drought status of 10-15 talukas and prioritizing drinking water and cattle fodder in affected regions.
- •Environment Minister Pankaja Munde directed a halt to construction in water-scarce areas to conserve water.
- •The government plans a Rs 6,728 crore employment push through the EGS scheme and is examining suspending agricultural loan recoveries.
Key Questions Answered
Maharashtra is considering a 10 per cent cut in urban water supply and halting construction projects in water-scarce areas after declaring a drought across 265 of its 358 talukas. Drinking water and cattle fodder are being prioritized, and the state has allocated Rs 6,728 crore under the VB-G RAM G employment guarantee programme to generate jobs and undertake water conservation works.
The state government has announced the restructuring and deferment of agricultural loan recoveries, and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule requested the Reserve Bank of India to check on issuing a circular for loan suspension. Farmers have been promised all possible assistance, and officials are instructed to collect crop damage assessment reports and prioritize drinking water and fodder crops.
The Maharashtra government has established a three-member committee of secretaries to examine the emerging fodder shortage and study management measures adopted by states like Rajasthan. This panel will work out arrangements to secure adequate fodder supplies for livestock over the upcoming three to four months while prioritizing fodder crops in drought-affected areas.
