Nagpur: Maharashtra govt will conduct fresh surveys in 36 additional talukas amid drought concerns, with 20% ground-truthing planned in 18 talukas where complaints were received over the application of drought assessment criteria.Ground-truthing is the process of gathering direct, real-world observations and measurements to check and calibrate data collected from remote or indirect sources like satellites, aerial drones, or computer models.Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told media here that a govt resolution had been issued with chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He said reports had also been sought on another 18 talukas, after which a decision on field verification will be taken. Representations and recommendations from elected representatives who had visited farms had also been considered.The Centre has dispatched teams to assess the drought situation in Maharashtra. State officials presented details of crop losses at a meeting with the central team, including damage to soyabean, cotton, tur, turmeric and orchards.Bawankule said the state had placed the drought-related criteria and the ground situation before the central govt officials. “The state would receive substantial central assistance through the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Fadnavis and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” he said.He also announced a door-to-door e-KYC drive for farmers whose crop loan waiver applications had been approved but verification was pending. Village-wise lists would be prepared, and talathis and gram sevaks would visit eligible farmers to complete their e-KYC and help them access the benefits.On the leasing of Maharashtra State Farming Corporation land in Ahilyanagar district for solar power and other projects, Bawankule said about 1,500 acres had been leased to Nibe Group, another 1,500 acres to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and around 1,200 acres to Vishvaraj Company. He said 2,500 acres had been reserved for farmers and that govt was examining whether land could be returned to its original farmer-owners. The use and leasing of the corporation’s land were governed by govt rules, he added.Minister warns of action against misuse of drinking water in NagpurRevenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has urged Nagpur residents to conserve drinking water amid drought conditions, warning that criminal cases would be filed against those found using potable water unnecessarily for construction and other purposes.He said treated water should be used for construction and the administration has halted cement road works. “Nearly 35% of the city’s water was not being audited, contributing to wastage. Although supplies were adequate, technical problems could cause local shortages. Repairing more than 6,000 small check dams in Nagpur district could improve water storage, with similar conservation efforts planned across Maharashtra,” he said.MAHARASHTRA STEPS UP DROUGHT RESPONSE36 additional talukas: Fresh surveys ordered amid drought concerns18 talukas: 20% ground-truthing planned following complaints over drought assessmentCentral assistance: Teams briefed on losses to soyabean, cotton, tur, turmeric and orchardsWater conservation: Nagpur residents urged to avoid wasting drinking water; treated water should be used for constructionLand leasing: About 4,200 acres leased to three entities in Ahilyanagar; 2,500 acres reserved for farmersCrop loan waiver: Door-to-door e-KYC planned through talathis and gram sevaks to help eligible farmers receive benefits
