Thane: Thane politicians have begun contributing funds, including those meant for personal celebrations, towards drought relief, with Konkan Graduates constituency BJP MLC Niranjan Davkhare and BJP corporator Bharat Chavan taking the lead.BJP Thane on Saturday said Davkhare had already donated an undisclosed amount to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for farmers in drought-hit parts of Maharashtra, while Chavan also chose to forgo his birthday celebrations and contribute towards relief efforts. Both have urged political workers and social organisations to support drought-affected farmers.Activist Dayanand Nene of the ‘Wake Up Thanekar’ group urged govt to put on hold fresh approvals and expansions of water-intensive hyperscale data centres, including the one being constructed at Balkum-Majiwada. In an appeal to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, Nene urged priority be accorded to water for drinking and agricultural purposes and also encouraged use of treated wastewater, recycling and water-efficient cooling systems.Meanwhile, even as the district remains largely unaffected by the drought situation, activists have urged rationalising of water to prevent a crisis situation before the next monsoon arrives.
