Drought declared in 265 talukas....; however, talukas not on the list will also be examined....
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' firm testimony...
Mumbai, 27 (Anant Nalavade) – In the backdrop of drought conditions caused by insufficient rainfall in the state, a drought has been declared in 265 talukas, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that talukas not included in the list will not be deprived of assistance, giving a clear testimony on Saturday here. He also clarified that these talukas will be inspected and, if necessary, aid will be provided under “Trigger‑3”.
While engaging with the media on the state's drought situation and the measures announced by the government, Chief Minister Fadnavis firmly clarified the government's stance on assistance to drought‑affected areas, drinking water, the rabi season, and flood conditions.
Based on deficits in rainfall and other criteria, a drought situation has been declared in 265 affected talukas, and 12 measures and concessions have been implemented there. Consequently, the Chief Minister said that assistance for crop losses will be provided to drought‑affected farmers following the prescribed procedure.
Even if not listed, the path to assistance remains open...
Clarifying the government's stance on talukas not included in the drought list, Fadnavis said that all such talukas will be inspected and, if necessary, included under “Trigger‑3”. Thus, areas currently outside the list due to not meeting criteria will have a path to assistance after further inspection.
Drinking water takes top priority...
To prevent the drinking water issue from becoming critical in drought‑affected talukas, an independent plan has been prepared for each district. Accordingly, drinking water will be given priority. Since most water projects in the state currently have drinking water availability, the Chief Minister said that water will be reserved for drinking until August, and thereafter any surplus water will be considered for use in the rabi season based on availability.
El Niño impact…; possibility of a peak until February…
The situation arising from El Niño is also being studied, and the Chief Minister said that there is a possibility of the situation reaching a peak level by the end of February. Accordingly, he clarified that decisions are being made to prioritize necessary measures to cope with the potential situation. At the same time
Public cooperation is also needed in the drought
He also clarified that coping with the drought cannot rely solely on government measures; public cooperation is also required. He urged to avoid unnecessary expenses and provide as much assistance as possible to drought‑affected areas.
The administration is providing full assistance to flood‑affected people, and the Chief Minister said that we remain in continuous contact with the administration. He also clarified that the flood situation is now subsiding and public life is returning to normal.
