In an agrarian economy, farmers and water are the most crucial resources. Many parts of Maharashtra, specifically Marathwada, and the western and central regions, received less than 50 percent of expected annual rainfall in 2011 and 2012. Since taking over the government in 2010, while the region continued to experience extreme drought, Mr. Chavan is ensured is that there was no scarcity of water.
Since 2011, till date one of the proudest moment for the government is that there haven’t been lives lost due to scarcity of water in the region. During this period massive relief camps were setup to ensure adequate supply of drinking water was made available through government and private tankers as well as ensuring relief employment and distribution of fodder in relief camps.
Commenting on the government’s efforts, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Prithviraj Chavan said “Our efforts have been largely on making Maharashtra drought proof by adopting decentralized and traditional water conservation methods. We will continue to look at various methods such as an integrated water shed management program as well as continue to build on the already constructed farm ponds and bunds. While drought is a natural phenomenon, these efforts will ensure there is no scarcity of water during a drought year.”
At the peak of the scarcity in May-June 2013, more than 5,500 tankers were supplying water to 15,000 habitations across Maharashtra. This not only saved millions of lives, but ensured that there was virtually no distress migration out of the villages.
Apart from saving lives, cattle and other animals that farmers rely on had to be protected too. 1317 cattle camps were setup helping nearly 10 lakh animals, thereby minimizing loss of animal life.
All these efforts were complimented by construction of 100,000 farm ponds over the last five years costing Rs.500 crore under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana .Similarly Rs 50 crore was used to build 10,000 Cement Nala Bunds. This year almost 4,500 cement Bandhare will be constructed in drought-afflicted areas. The successes of these measures have become a model that is now being replicated through the state as a long-term solution for the state’s water woes. The government also put in place a 67% subsidy in power bills for water schemes.
With a now established setup in place, Maharashtra is geared to tackle any drought related eventuality that may occur either during this monsoon or in the seasons to come.
For more information please visit: www.prithvirajchavan.co.in
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