Centre sanctions Rs 700 crore for drought relief work in Maha

According to officials in Relief and Rehabilitation Department, Rs 580 crore have been sanctioned for Agriculture, and Rs 74 crore for Horticulture. Funds have also been allocated for tankers and fodder.

Officials said that the amount sanctioned was in response to the demand of Rs 1,118 crore for short term measures sought by the state government.

As part of its efforts to ensure permanent solution to the problems of the drought-prone districts, the state government has also asked for Rs 700 crore to complete major as well as medium irrigation projects which are pending.

Another Rs 300 crore were also sought for constructing small check dams to bring water to drought prone areas.

Officials said a meeting of Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan with district collectors, IMD, Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Central Water Commission representatives has been scheduled next week to discuss preparedness for monsoons, which included crop planning and flooding.