Fadnavis Seeks NDRF Aid for Drought-Hit Maharashtra
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis meets Amit Shah to request maximum NDRF assistance as 265 talukas face severe drought conditions.
In a critical move to combat the worsening water crisis, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approached the Union Government to secure maximum assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). During a high-level meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday, Fadnavis highlighted the dire circumstances facing the state due to widespread drought conditions.
Scale of the Crisis: 265 Talukas Affected
The scale of the environmental emergency in Maharashtra is significant. Following a season of erratic and deficient monsoon rainfall, the state government has officially declared drought in 265 talukas. This represents nearly three-fourths of the state's total 358 talukas, leaving a vast portion of the population and agricultural sector in distress.
Fadnavis briefed the Home Minister on the various relief measures the state has already initiated. He emphasized the urgent need for central support to bolster these local efforts and provide much-needed relief to the farming community.
Central Team to Conduct On-Ground Assessment
Responding to the state's plea, the Centre has promised full support. Amit Shah has assured that the Central government will stand firmly behind Maharashtra during this crisis. To move from assurance to action, a specialized inter-ministerial team has been dispatched to the state.
- Assessment Dates: The team is scheduled to visit Maharashtra from October 8 to October 11.
- Team Leadership: The delegation is headed by Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary of the Agriculture Department.
- Scope of Work: The team will include representatives from multiple central departments to evaluate crop damage, water scarcity, and the overall socio-economic impact of the drought.
Focus on Crop Damage and Relief Measures
The primary objective of the upcoming central assessment is to determine the exact extent of the damage to facilitate large-scale relief and rehabilitation. The findings of this team will be crucial in deciding the quantum of assistance to be released under disaster-response funds.
"The Central government will firmly stand behind Maharashtra," Fadnavis stated, expressing his gratitude for the Union Home Minister's commitment.
The state government is also looking beyond the standard technicalities. Fadnavis has noted that certain regions, which may not strictly meet the "Trigger-1" criteria under the Drought Management Code, 2016, have still suffered immensely due to dry spells and erratic rainfall. He has urged that these areas also be considered for relief to ensure no affected farmer is left behind.