Number of tankers being used in drought-hit areas in Maharashtra has risen which is indicative of the "failure" of the state government's flagship 'Jalyukt Shivar' scheme, the Congress alleged Wednesday.
The Maharashtra government on October 31 declared drought in 151 talukas across 26 of total 36 districts in the state.
The opposition party said 17,715 tankers were supplying drinking water till November this year.
The opposition party attributed the figure of tankers to the state Water Supply department.
"Maharashtra received 74.3 per cent rainfall and according to water supply department, 17,715 tankers were supplying drinking water till November this year," party spokesman Sachin Sawant said in a statement.
"Maharashtra had received 70.2 per cent rainfall in 2014. Only 71 tankers were in service till November 17 that year. In 2015, the state had received only 59.4 per cent rainfall and 693 tankers were supplying drinking water," he said.
Sawant further said Rs 7789 crore were spent on the Jalyukt Shivar works. "Where is that money gone?" he questionned.
The Jalyukta Shivar project involves deepening and widening of streams, construction of cement and earthen stop dams, work on nullahs and digging of farm ponds. The aim of the scheme is to make Maharashtra a drought-free state by 2019.
"Despite spending crores on the scheme, the state government is still unable to tackle drought situation," Sawant said.
Seeking a judicial enquiry into "alleged scam", Sawant demanded resignation of Water Conservation Minister Ram Shinde.
Meanwhile, state BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhayay has accused the Congress of "maligning" the state government and misleading the people over quantum of tankers in service to tackle drought.
"If Sawant had provided the number of tankers in the month of May when the drinking water scarcity is at its peak, he would have known that 'Jalyukt Shivar' scheme was a success," he said.
Upadhyay said the number of tankers came down during the BJP rule due to the Jalyukta Shivar scheme.
"I appeal to the Congress to check the water tanker status for every May since 2013. In 2013, 2322 tankers were supplying water despite 109 per cent rainfall. In 2014, 2358 tankers were in service when the rainfall was 70 per cent.
In 2015, when the state received 59 per cent rainfall, 5423 tankers were supplying water. The 'Jalyukt Shivar' works gained momentum that year, due to which 1343 tankers supplied water. In May 2016, 1343 tankers supplied water despite 95 per cent rainfall.
"In 2017, 1047 tankers supplied water when the state had received 84 per cent rainfall. During the Congress rule, 2322 tankers were used despite 109 per cent rainfall whereas 1047 tankers were used in the BJP rule when rainfall was 84 per cent," Upadhyay said.
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