Nagpur: The state govt has set up a 12-member study group, headed by additional chief secretary (revenue), to suggest measures to tackle drought, including a plan to tide over fodder shortage, according to a GR issued on Tuesday by animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries department.The decision was taken at the Sept 29 meeting of the cabinet sub-committee headed by revenue minister. The sub-committee has been formed under a relief and rehabilitation department order dated Sept 22 to review the drought situation caused by deficient rain and suggest relief measures. Drought has been declared in 265 talukas of the state.Additional chief secretaries of finance, planning, energy and forest departments are members of the group, along with principal secretaries of relief and rehabilitation, cooperation, soil and water conservation and water resources. Secretaries of agriculture, rural development and animal husbandry are also members, and the animal husbandry secretary is the member-secretary. Officers of other departments can be invited as needed.The group will study measures taken earlier in Maharashtra and in other states to deal with drought, and suggest remedies accordingly. It will also look at fodder available at present and the fodder expected to be produced, assess the requirement in the coming months and plan its supply.Besides these two tasks, the group will study other related aspects, suggest measures and submit a report. Copies of the order have been sent to chief minister’s and deputy chief ministers’ offices, chief secretary, all secretaries and animal husbandry commissioner.
