85% of Maharashtra taluks declared drought-hit

• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that over 85 per cent of Maharashtra’s taluks as drought-hit.

• Drought was initially declared in 265 taluks. After evaluating complaints, 40 additional taluks were added, bringing the total to 305 taluks out of 358. 

• Drought is always declared by November-end, and help is extended by December. However, looking at the gravity of the situation, the notification of drought was issued in October, the CM said.

Measures announced by the Maharashtra govt:

• CM Fadnavis said Rs 5,000 would be deposited in farmers’ bank accounts before Diwali to provide initial financial assistance ahead of the festival.

• An authenticated list of an additional 3.5 lakh farmers has been processed to receive scheduled debt relief payments in parallel.

• The District Central Co-operative (DCC) banks and credit societies have been issued strict warnings against coercive loan recoveries, harassment, or excessive pressure on farmers. 

• Efforts are on to do the same with private banks and financial institutions.

• No coercive recovery or pressure is permitted for pending electricity bills, and agricultural pumps up to 7.5 horsepower receive free electricity under state policy.

• Nearly 16,000 illegal water connections were disconnected to preserve drinking supplies, with a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorised water extraction.

Central govt’s schemes for water management

• Water is a state subject under List II (State List) in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.

• Water resources projects are planned, funded, executed and maintained by the state governments in accordance with their priorities and available resources. 

• To supplement the efforts of state governments, the Centre provides technical and financial assistance under various ongoing schemes for sustainable development and efficient management of water resources, including reducing dependence on groundwater and improving its long-term sustainability.

These scheme are: 

i) Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)

ii) Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB)

iii) Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal

iv) Mission Amrit Sarovar

v) Various components of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

vi) The National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM), etc.