Maha seeks Rs 2,270-cr central aid for water schemes in drought-prone areas

Approaches Karnataka govt for release of some water to border districts

The Congress-NCP government is struggling to tackle the severe drought conditions in 145 out of total 353 talukas of Maharashtra. Scarcity has been announced in 6,250 villages due to low rainfall. The government has launched multiple programmes including animal camps, drinking water supply through tankers, works under the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme. The government has sought help from Karnataka to release some water especially to provide relief to the border districts.

Besides, the government has decided to provide 67% subsidy for the payment of bills from April 1, 2012 till date in order to continue water supply schemes in drought hit villages. The balance 33% would be raised by gram panchayat and water supply agencies. The state cabinet at its meeting took decision in this regard. The government has already taken a decision for the payment of arrears before April 1, 2012 towards water supply schemes in 12 instalments.

The government has ruled out migrating drought-hit villages citing logistical and administrative reasons. At the same time, the government admits there are limitations in the supply of drinking water through railways. Current water shortage has already hampered power generation at MahaGenco's Parli power station in Marathwada and it may further cause problems in future too. MahaGenco had made efforts to procure water from alternative sources in order to operate the power plants in scarcity hit regions.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan during his speech at the National Development Council informed that the state was going through second successive year of hydrological and agriculture drought. A total of 145 out of 353 talukas in the state are drought prone, and are included in DPAP. Most of these talukas have very low average rainfall and slight deficit in the rainfall leads to acute water and fodder scarcity.

Chavan has appealed to the Centre to review the guidelines of National Disaster Relief Fund to include drought mitigation measures for such water stressed areas. The state government has identified 105 projects in such water stressed areas which could be completed in a short span of time, and could provide lasting solution to drinking water scarcity in such areas. The estimated cost of these projects is Rs 2,270 crore. Moreover, the state government has called upon the Planning Commission to consider a special package outside the framework of Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme.

The state government has sought the central assistance of Rs 5,000 crore comprising Rs 2,270 crore for relief measures. Last week, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, who heads group of ministers to provide relief to drought-hit states, has announced that he has received report from the central team recommending the financial assistance of Rs 778 crore to Maharashtra for water and related programmes. Pawar assured that state government to further increase the aid after the group of ministers' meeting.

A senior minister told Business Standard, "Present drought condition is worst than what was prevailed in 1972. Major difference is in 1972 drought there was shortage of food and water scarcity but this time food availability is not an issue. However, providing water for drinking, agriculture and industry is a major issue as the water levels especially in western Maharashtra, North Maharashtra, and Marathwada are drastically low. Priority is being given for drinking but the attention is also paid on protecting animal population." So far the government has spent Rs 180 crore on animal camps.