Central Team Formed to Evaluate Drought in Maharashtra
A new team will assess the drought situation affecting 265 talukas in Maharashtra.
265 out of 358 talukas in Maharashtra declared drought-affected.
Central team to recommend relief measures for farmers.
80% of the state is experiencing severe drought conditions.
The Indian government has established a specialized team to evaluate the drought conditions in Maharashtra, where a significant majority of the regions are suffering from severe water shortages. According to state Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne, 265 of the 358 talukas have been officially recognized as drought-affected. The team is expected to collaborate with state officials to assess the situation on the ground and provide recommendations for relief efforts.
This initiative follows a request from Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who submitted an interim report to the central government seeking aid from the National Disaster Response Fund. Bharne highlighted the dire circumstances faced by farmers during a recent review meeting in Delhi with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasizing the urgent need for support and intervention.
The central assessment team will be led by Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It will comprise representatives from ten different central government departments, including finance and agriculture, as well as NITI Aayog. Their primary objective will be to evaluate the drought's severity and propose necessary assistance measures for affected farmers, drawing from both central and state disaster response funds.
The drought has severely impacted nearly 80% of Maharashtra, leading to extensive crop damage and heightened distress among the agricultural community. The timely visit of this team is anticipated to accelerate the provision of central assistance to farmers grappling with the consequences of the drought, as stated in the official release.
Looking ahead, the central team is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the government shortly, paving the way for immediate relief measures and rehabilitation efforts for the affected farmers. The ongoing situation highlights the critical need for sustained support and intervention to mitigate the impacts of drought in the region.
