Nagpur/Amravati: The Maharashtra govt has begun an early assessment of drought-like conditions in the state even as a key division under dry spell — Amravati — placed its administrative machinery on high alert. Though the govt is yet to officially declare drought, the unusually stringent measures by the collector indicate a likely decision, said top sources.Amravati collector Ashish Yerekar on Monday ordered key field officers to stay put at their headquarters and warned that unauthorised absence could invite suspension or criminal action under Disaster Management Act, 2005. Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday said crop surveys were underway and a decision on declaring drought would be taken soon.Agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne assured farmers facing crop losses that the govt will provide adequate aid even as the state kicked off early crop inspections to assess the extent of damage in Vidarbha and Marathwada.Bharne, who reviewed the situation in west Vidarbha, told reporters that govt was committed to securing the maximum possible compensation for farmers. He directed officials to complete the inspection promptly, accurately and transparently so that losses can be established and assistance determined.Amravati collector Yerekar, who also heads the district disaster management authority, directed officers of various departments, including revenue, agriculture, rural development, urban development, water resources and conservation not to leave their headquarters without permission.The order requires field officers to remain available 24×7 and give priority to crop inspections, crop-loss assessment, loan restructuring, drought-mitigation measures and assistance to affected farmers.The Amravati administration has instructed officials dealing with farmers and villagers to listen to their grievances and resolve them promptly at the local level. Farmer Help Desks are also being established at tehsil and taluka agriculture offices to facilitate assistance.The district-wide alert comes as the state govt prepares to determine the extent of the drought-like situation. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered drought assessment and crop-loss panchnamas from October 5 under National Disaster Response Fund criteria.The state has been experiencing prolonged breaks in the monsoon. Recent reports said 83 talukas in 19 districts had gone more than 20 days without rain, while rainfall data showed a significant statewide deficit.The agricultural impact is particularly visible in western Vidarbha, where soybean, cotton, tur, moong and urad have been affected by prolonged breaks and uneven rainfall. Farmers have also raised concerns on erratic irrigation and power supply, including delays in replacing faulty transformers.
