Rahul Gandhi assures aid for drought-hit in Maharashtra

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday assured full relief by way of water supply, food and fodder to people in drought-hit areas of this Maharashtra district.

His assurance came during interactions with farmers and labourers in Nidhona village of Phulambri sub-district Tuesday afternoon during his visit to the drought-affected region.

"We shall take up the problems of water shortage and fodder supply in the affected areas on a top priority," Gandhi assured the Nidhona villagers.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre, several cabinet ministers and officials, Gandhi also inspected works being carried out under the MNREGS and spoke to labourers reeling under acute water scarcity in the areas.

He also visited cattle and fodder camps set up by the state government in Babra, Shewaga and Gomshala over the past three months and also inspected the desilting work of the Harsul water reservoir here.

Speaking on the occasion, Chavan announced a grant of Rs.16 crore for the Girija-Wakod drinking water supply project, which would offer a permanent solution to the water scarcity in the region.

He also said that work on repairing a 12-km road in Phulambri would be taken up on a priority basis for the benefit of the villagers.