Half of Maharashtra drought-hit, farmer says no water to drink
What's the story
180 out of 350 tehsils in Maharashtra have been declared drought-hit, meaning almost half of the state is affected. Farmers came to Mumbai seeking relief from the disaster, and want the state to be declared drought-hit.
This year, Maharashtra received only 77% of its average rainfall.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said steps are being taken to ensure farmers get relief.
Condition
Distressed farmer says there's no work, no water to drink
A farmer from Nandurbar district Maruti Konkani, said there is no work anywhere. "There is drought everywhere. Farmers, laborers, adivasis have no water to drink," he said.
According to data of the Water Resource Department, the dams in the state are running low on water.
Marathwada's Manjara dam had 0% water on October 10, and Nagpur's Pench Totaladoh dam had 23% water.
Rainfall
Reports reveal the grim picture of Maharashtra's rainfall
An IMD report said 197 tehsils received less than normal rainfall this year.
27 villages recorded more than 50% deficit rainfall, 109 had 30-50 percent deficit rainfall and 61 villages recorded 20-30 percent deficit in rainfall.
Notably, the monsoons are nine months away implying problems of citizens and farmers are bound to increase.
In this situation, all eyes are on government.
Government's stand
Facing crisis, government says everything will be done for farmers
On the situation, Public Works Department Minister Eknath Shinde said the government is committed to working for farmers. "Be it water, fodder for animals, water tankers, etc. everything will be provided," he said.
Meanwhile, Fadnavis said the government will publish a Government Resolution (GR) which will ensure concerned departments act swiftly and tackle the situation.
"There is definitely a drought-like situation," he said.