Nagpur: Maharashtra govt will tap corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from major industries to supplement its drought-relief measures, revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. He asked collectors to engage industrial units in their respective districts and seek support for water and fodder management.“Govt will make arrangements for tankers, drinking water and cattle camps during the drought, but industries, businessmen and other sections of society must also contribute,” Bawankule said in a media statement. The final report of the 11-member cabinet subcommittee on drought would be submitted by Oct 25, he said.Guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati said that if needed, district planning committee (DPC) funds would be redirected towards drought mitigation this year. He added that cement road works should not be undertaken in areas where drinking water sources are likely to dry up.The Kamptee MLA said priority should be given to cattle camps, recharge shafts, water conservation works, traditional check dams and desilting/deepening of drains. Bawankule said govt would also focus on basic facilities such as healthcare, sanitation, water supply, school rooms and anganwadis.Bawankule said collectors had been directed to call meetings with all banks in their districts and ensure compliance, covering cooperative credit societies, nationalised and private banks and district central cooperative banks. He also warned against illegal money lending and urged farmers to report exploitation or fraud.Bawankule said collectors had been directed to call meetings with all banks in their districts and ensure compliance, covering cooperative credit societies, nationalised and private banks and district central cooperative banks. He also warned against illegal money lending and urged farmers to report exploitation or fraud.
