Maha dams only have 54 % water storage

While the water storage in dams in the Konkan region is 85 per cent, in Marathwada it is only 9 per cent. In Nagpur region, it is 75 per cent, Amravati 60 per cent, Nashik 42 per cent, Pune 62 per cent and rest of the state 82 per cent, an official said here today.

The state cabinet, which met here today, reviewed the situation in the drought-hit talukas of the state and issued directives to make available drinking water through tankers, EGS works wherever required, setting up of cattle camps if there are minimum 250 animals.

It was also decided to complete the process of ascertaining the visual crop yield estimates before September 15. The state has already declared drought in 122 talukas of the state.

Sugar factories have been asked to open maximum cattle camps in their areas.

So far, only five districts had received 100 per cent rainfall.

As many as 1,417 villages and 6,179 wadis (hamlets) are being provided drinking water through 1,939 tankers. Last year, during this corresponding period only 67 tankers were used to supply drinking water.

There are 62,245 animals in 130 cattle camps. Under the MGNREGA, more than 2.5 lakh labourers are employed on 33,857 works.

So far, Rs 1,663 crore have been given to District Collectors in the state for the disbursal to cotton, soyabean and paddy growers as part of the rs 2000 crore financial package.

The state government had sought Rs 2,081 crore package from the Centre for drought relief, out of which, Rs 574 crore have already been provided.