Pune: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that the state govt has initiated preparations to outline a comprehensive action plan to tackle the brewing drought situation in Maharashtra.“It is true that a rainfall scarcity persists across many districts. In fact, several areas have not reported any rain activity for over 30 days. The govt is keeping a close watch on the situation, and we will stand by every single farmer in the state during this difficult time,” Fadnavis said after chairing a cabinet meeting in Mumbai on Tuesday.The worsening drought-like conditions were reviewed extensively during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. “A detailed presentation covering the ground reality of every district was made before the cabinet. The govt has already gathered data regarding the rainfall deficit in each tehsil, and a comprehensive report is currently being drafted,” Fadnavis added.The chief minister also noted that according to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, official drought assessment surveys typically cannot commence before Oct 5. “However, the govt will not wait until Oct 5. We have already begun collecting preliminary data, and the official assessment survey will start soon to ensure that every farmer in the state receives the required financial aid,” he said.Meanwhile, opposition leaders demanded that the govt immediately start disbursing compensation to the affected farmers rather than wait for the entire assessment process to conclude. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who is currently touring the drought-hit Marathwada region to meet affected families, said, “The farmers are already in deep distress and need immediate relief. The govt must not waste valuable time on administrative formalities and should start releasing compensation without any further delay.”
