Tanker Mafia Tamed! First Water from Tap, Then Tanker; New Government Policy for Feed as Well.

In Maharashtra amid severe drought, the state government decides to reduce dependence on tankers and restart closed tap water supply schemes.

Amid severe drought in Maharashtra, the state government has decided to reduce dependence on tankers and restart closed tap water supply schemes. Revenue Minister Chandrasekhar Bawanekule has instructed district collectors to launch the closed water supply schemes within the next 15 days. Additionally, a separate standard operating procedure (SOP) for fodder management and a plan to establish a fodder bank were emphasized.

During the drought relief ministerial subcommittee meeting held at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, the availability of water, pending schemes, animal fodder, and crop losses were reviewed.

**Proposal for relief on the outstanding amount of ₹3,000 crore**

An outstanding amount of nearly ₹3,000 crore has emerged for the state's water supply schemes. A proposal was made to waive the fines and interest that would accrue and to introduce a one‑time settlement plan to allow the principal amount to be paid in installments. However, the final form of this plan remains to be decided.

Due to financial shortfall, instructions were given to review unfinished schemes and the 75 completed schemes and to commence them as soon as possible. New government orders are also being prepared to accelerate pending schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

**Provision of ₹62 crore for fodder**

To prevent a shortage of fodder for animals, district collectors were instructed, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department, to establish a fodder bank and to prepare an SOP for fodder management.

In districts where fodder is abundant, it will be supplied to districts with shortages. A sum of ₹62 crore will be used for fodder seeds. The government will encourage purchasing fodder at guaranteed prices through government institutions and cultivating fodder on lands affected by silt from dams. The Revenue Department's vacant land will also be made available to women's self‑help groups for fodder production.

**Third phase of drought relief in 305 talukas**

The third phase of drought relief has been implemented in 305 talukas of the state. Seventy percent of crop loss compensation has been completed so far. The remaining compensation and data collection process is targeted to be completed by 31 October.

**CSR and district planning fund also provide relief**

The use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from companies and the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) fund for drought relief was emphasized. Directions were also given to identify water sources, store water, and review groundwater levels in drought‑affected areas. In places where electricity bills have been paid, about 450 transformers are to be switched on immediately.

The meeting was attended by Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Water Supply Minister Gulab R. Patil, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Minister Sanjay Rathod, Nitesh Rane, Makrand Patil, Pankaja Munde, Agriculture Minister Dattatraya Bharnade, and other ministers and senior officials.

The government's goal is to reduce dependence on tankers, restart closed water supply schemes, and increase fodder availability for animals. The actual success of these measures will depend on the implementation of the schemes within the next 15 days and the completion of crop loss compensation by 31 October.