Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 23: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the state government will provide immediate assistance to farmers affected by the drought-like situation without waiting for financial assistance from the Centre. The government is expected to issue its first notification on drought mitigation by Saturday.
Addressing reporters after a Cabinet meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday, Fadnavis said panchnamas to assess crop losses would begin from Wednesday. Soybean, maize and cotton have suffered the most damage, while paddy cultivation in the Konkan region has also been affected.
The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to take speedy decisions on drought relief and mitigation measures. The committee has been given Cabinet-level powers, while Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal will serve as its member-secretary.
The panel will review field reports and take decisions on relief measures based on ground-level assessments. Fadnavis and the two Deputy Chief Ministers will also review the committee's reports at the senior level.
Fadnavis said ministers and public representatives would visit affected areas from Wednesday to assess the situation and interact with farmers.
The state government will separately prepare a proposal seeking financial assistance from the Centre under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms. However, Fadnavis made it clear that the state would begin providing assistance without waiting for the central funds.
The government will give special attention to drinking water and livestock fodder, with arrangements to be planned for the next seven to eight months in coordination with local bodies, officials said.
The drought-like conditions have particularly affected parts of Marathwada and Vidarbha following weak monsoon rainfall. Maharashtra has also recorded a significant rainfall deficit this season, with several districts reporting prolonged dry spells and crop damage.
The government said the list of affected areas will be updated as field-level assessments progress, allowing additional areas to be included if required.