Pawar Begins Tour of Drought-Hit Areas, Promises to Press Govt For Relief
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had sought the inclusion of all eligible remaining talukas in the drought declaration; he had written to CM Fadnavis
Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Friday began a tour of Maharashtra's drought-affected regions, assuring farmers that he would take up their woes regarding crop losses and severe water shortages with the state government. The former Union agriculture minister interacted with villagers in Purandar tehsil of Pune district to assess crop damage and water scarcity, and said he would raise their concerns with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and seek concrete measures.
Pawar had written to Fadnavis earlier this week, pointing out that although the state government had declared drought in 265 of Maharashtra's 358 talukas, several other regions were also facing severe water scarcity and crop losses.
He had sought the inclusion of all eligible remaining talukas in the drought declaration.
"Farmers are facing only one dilemma - what will they do if it does not rain? The existing crops have to be saved, and immediate relief has to reach the farming community," the veteran leader said while speaking to farmers during his visit.
He noted that Purandar was one of the areas where the drought situation was particularly difficult, and that the government needs to take cognisance of the ground reality when deciding on relief measures.
Pawar said that he has discussed the issue with Fadnavis and submitted several demands, including a 100 per cent waiver of agricultural and allied-activity loans taken from cooperative, nationalised and urban cooperative banks and credit societies.
Other demands include relaxing norms under the Employment Guarantee Scheme, provision of tankers for drinking water and water for livestock, and ensuring power supply to farmers in drought-hit areas is not disconnected for non-payment of bills.
"I told the chief minister that the government can take feedback from farmers. I will also travel to drought-affected areas, meet farmers and understand their problems. I have come here to listen to you. You put forward your points and demands, and I will soon meet the chief minister to chalk out a solution," he said while speaking to cultivators.
Pawar is scheduled to visit other drought-affected areas of Pune district, including Baramati, Purandar and Daund, during the tour.
While the state government has declared drought in 265 talukas, Opposition leader and farmers' groups have raised the issue of extending the declaration to other affected areas.