Nagpur: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said the state govt would complete a preliminary assessment of drought-like conditions within a week for providing immediate relief to farmers without waiting for National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) assistance.Fadnavis has directed cabinet ministers to undertake preliminary assessments in their respective districts. “Panchnamas will be carried out after preliminary review,” Fadnavis said.The chief minister said the govt would ensure emergency assistance, including drinking water and fodder, for affected farmers. Three lists under the loan waiver scheme had been completed, while the remaining lists will be finalised expeditiously, he added.Fadnavis said the state had anticipated the impact of El Niño and had undertaken a fodder development programme in advance. “Fodder cultivation is already in place,” he said. The govt would also provide additional electricity to farmers during evening hours for irrigation through wells. The move, he said, is aimed at protecting standing crops in villages where well water is available.Responding to the opposition’s demand for a formal drought declaration, Fadnavis said the govt is following the existing procedure laid down through a GR. He said the same procedure had been followed when the opposition was in power.“We can claim NDRF assistance only after following the laid down procedure. Currently, the state govt will provide aid to farmers and later claim NDRF assistance,” CM said.Fadnavis said panchnamas required for the Centre’s assistance can’t be conducted before Oct 5. “The state is completing the process so that we can immediately carry out panchnamas and send a proposal to the Centre,” he said.The CM also appealed to the opposition not to politicise the situation. “When our farmers are in trouble, we should come together to help them rather than play politics,” he said.On a viral video purportedly showing officials eating dry fruits during a drought review meeting in Nanded, Fadnavis said dry fruits were routinely served at official meetings but acknowledged that such practices should be avoided during a drought-related review.“Such things should be avoided. But to say someone is deliberately doing this because there is a drought is not right. However, the administration should be sensitive to such issues,” he said.Fadnavis said major reservoirs in the state have adequate stocks barring small reservoirs in Marathwada. “The water in large dams will be used only for drinking until we get further rain forecast,” he said.
