Mumbai, Sep 21 (PTI) Amid the Opposition’s demand to declare a drought in Maharashtra facing a widening rain shortfall in some regions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said “drought relief” measures have already been initiated by the state government.
He said the government would not wait for Central assistance to help farmers facing distress due to inadequate rainfall.
The Chief Minister said formal crop-loss assessments would be carried out after October 5 as required under the rules, following which the state would seek assistance from the Centre.
“There is a difference between formally declaring a drought and implementing relief measures. Under the NDRF framework, certain steps have to be completed before a drought can be formally declared and assistance sought from the Centre,” Fadnavis told reporters, adding that the government has started implementing drought-relief measures immediately.
He said the state government never waits for assistance from the Central government and starts extending assistance from its own funds.
Fadnavis said the state cabinet had already discussed the situation and measures are being taken to address the crisis.
He said formal crop-loss assessments, or panchnamas, would be carried out after October 5 as required under the rules, following which the state would seek assistance from the Centre.
“We are not waiting until then. After October 5, we will technically conduct the panchnamas and seek assistance from the Centre. In the meantime, the state government will take all necessary steps,” he said.
The chief minister’s remarks come amid a prolonged break in rainfall that has affected crops in several parts of Maharashtra.
Opposition parties are demanding that the government declare a drought immediately and extend aid to agriculturists affected by crop loss. PTI MR NSK
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