District collectors in the respective districts have been directed to conduct panchnamas (crop-damage assessments) in these areas
Fadnavis declares drought in 265 talukas: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday declared drought in 265 talukas of the state. He declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas, approximately 75 percent of Maharashtra.
According to the Government Resolution(GR), Trigger-1 has been declared in 265 talukas where the prescribed drought parameters have been met. District collectors in the respective districts have been directed to conduct panchnamas (crop-damage assessments) in these areas.
Earlier this week, Fadnavis described the drought-like situation in Latur and Dharashiv in Marathwada region as ‘extremely serious’, saying the two districts received only half the normal rainfall this year, and promised all possible assistance to the affected farmers. There can be many reasons behind declaring a drought, including lack of rainfall, loss of crops, water crisis and migration of people in search of employment. Overall, the state recorded an 18.8% rainfall deficit, receiving actual rainfall of 755.9mm from June to September 18.
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The chief minister also announced various measures to combat drought in the state and such measures include:
1. Exemption in land revenue
2. Restructuring of crop loans
3. Prohibition on recovery of loans related to agriculture
4. Discount on existing electricity bills of farm pumps
5. Electricity bills of agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower are already waived, now pumps with higher capacity will also get rebate in electricity bills.
6. Discount in exam fees of school/college students
7. More jobs will be started by relaxing the rules under the Employment Guarantee Scheme
8. Drinking tankers where necessary
9. Electricity connection of farmers’ farm pumps in deficient villages will not be cut off
10. Farmers/farm laborers dependent on grain cultivation
11. Animal fodder will be provided
12. Water saving works will be carried out on a large scale
13. Planning of drinking water and water for animals will continue as per previous order
14. Ordered all District Collectors to complete Panchnama process immediately
15. Order to collect photos and GPS showing condition of crops
