Mumbai, Oct 25 (PTI) The NCP (SP) on Sunday urged the Maharashtra government to halt water supply to construction projects amid the worsening drought situation and raise financial aid for affected farmers to Rs 25,000 before Diwali.
Speaking to reporters, NCP (SP) leaders Jitendra Awhad and Shashikant Shinde alleged that water allocation rules were being ignored and decisions on dam water releases were being made under political pressure.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar chaired the party’s core committee meeting at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre here and reviewed the drought situation in Maharashtra.
Pawar took stock of the situation from the NCP (SP) MPs, MLAs and other leaders and discussed additional measures needed to address the drought, the challenges likely to arise in the coming months and the planning required to tackle them.
Demanding an immediate halt to water allocation for builder projects, Awhad said priority must be given to ordinary citizens and farmers over commercial interests.
“If builders do not get water for six months or a year, will they suffer losses worth crores of rupees? For the sake of builders’ profits, poor people are left without water even to wash utensils at home. This is not right. People must be taken care of first,” he said, specifically demanding a halt to water supply for construction in Mumbai and Thane.
Shinde alleged that water distribution committees were being sidelined and dam water release decisions were being taken under political pressure.
“The government must ensure water is distributed according to established rules. Given the severity of the drought, proper planning is essential for drinking water and agriculture. If water is wasted, the state government will be held responsible,” he warned, insisting that drinking water needs be prioritised.
Terming the relief of Rs 5,000 per farmer announced by the state government as inadequate, Shinde demanded that the payout be hiked to at least Rs 25,000 and disbursed before Diwali.
He also appealed for the setting up of cattle camps to ensure fodder and care for livestock.
Shinde further expressed concern over the harassment of farmers by microfinance companies and lenders recovering small loans despite state advisories against forced recovery during drought. He urged strict action against such lenders to prevent further distress to farmers.
On merger speculations between the two NCP factions, Shinde clarified that no decision had been made on the issue.
Asked about reports of an NCP delegation meeting the Chief Minister to demand the Finance portfolio, Awhad said, “We are opposition members without portfolios, and our work is to highlight the problems faced by the people.” PTI MR ARU
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