Maharashtra formulates special SOPs for fodder and water supply

Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS) Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who leads the Cabinet sub committee on drought relief, on Wednesday directed the state administration that water tankers should be used only as a last resort to address the drought situation across the state. 

He directed the District Collectors to restore non-functional tap water supply schemes within 15 days and immediately frame a Special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing fodder and water resources.

After chairing the Cabinet sub committee meeting, Minister Bawankule announced plans for a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to resolve pending water scheme dues.

Under this initiative, interest and penalty charges on pending dues totaling around Rs 3,000 crore will be waived, allowing local bodies to clear the principal amount in installments.

Minister Bawankule said that District Collectors were explicitly instructed to restore smooth electricity supplies and complete 75 fully constructed schemes as well as 25 per cent of incomplete schemes delayed due to fund shortages, making them operational within 15 days.

Funds from the 15th and 16th Finance Commissions will be utilised to clear ongoing electricity bills, he added.

"To combat potential feed scarcity for livestock, District Collectors, in coordination with the Agriculture and Animal Husbandry departments, will set up a dedicated Fodder Bank alongside structured SOPs. Excess fodder from surplus districts will be transferred to neighboring drought-hit regions. Fodder seeds worth Rs 62 crore will be distributed to farmers with sustainable water sources to boost local production. Government agencies will procure fodder from farmers at guaranteed prices," Minister Bawankule said.

According to the Minister, the third phase of drought mitigation is actively underway across 305 talukas.

"Crop loss assessment (panchanamas) is currently 70 per cent complete. Full data collection is expected by October 31, following which a comprehensive picture of the state's drought status will be published next week."

"Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from major companies and District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) funds will be mobilised for drought relief. Road construction projects must incorporate water body creation (storage tanks and water sources). Unused revenue department land will be allotted to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for fodder cultivation," the Minister said.

--IANS

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