Maha govt extends relief deadline in scarcity-hit talukas

Against the backdrop of scanty rainfall in various parts of the state, Maharashtra government today said the deadline for undertaking relief measures in scarcity-hit talukas has been extended till August 31.
"So far, 36 per cent sowing operations have been undertaken in the state," Relief and rehabilitation minister Patangrao Kadam, told reporters at the Mantralaya.
"Of the total 355 talukas in the state, 200 have received less than 50 per cent rainfall," the minister said.
The relief amount of Rs 106 crore needed to undertake various measures in scarcity-hit areas has been disbursed to district collectors, Kadam said.
Compared to the 50 per cent water availability in the state reservoir during this period last year, this year the availability is 26 per cent, Kadam said.

Water is being supplied to 480 villages and 3,712 hamlets (wadis) through 1,726 tankers, he said.