Nanded, Sep 24 An extended dry spell that has created drought-like conditions in several parts of Maharashtra has prompted authorities to restrict leave for officials in key field departments to ensure the smooth implementation of relief measures.
Officials from the revenue, agriculture, rural development, urban development, MSEDCL, animal husbandry, water resources, water conservation, cooperation and land records departments have been directed to accord the highest priority to drought-related work.
They have also been barred from leaving their headquarters without prior permission.
District Collector Rahul Kardile has directed officials to give top priority to drought mitigation, crop assessment, farm loan restructuring and assistance to farmers, according to a circular issued on Thursday.
The administration has stepped up preparedness amid concerns over water availability, fodder shortage and crop losses, it said.
Until the drought situation improves, officials will not be permitted to proceed on leave without prior approval from the district collector, except in cases of extremely urgent leave, it said.
The administration has warned of stringent action against district- and tehsil-level officials who proceed on leave without permission, extend their leave on their own or remain absent from headquarters.
With several areas of the state staring at crop losses due to an extended dry spell, the Maharashtra government on Thursday said it would issue an order on September 25 to provide immediate relief to farmers, and formed a cabinet sub-committee.
The sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will monitor the drought-like situation in the state and recommend immediate relief measures, officials said.
Speaking to reporters at Amravati airport after visiting drought-affected areas of Washim district in eastern Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis admitted that the situation was “extremely serious”. He said the government would provide assistance under ‘Trigger 1’ of the state’s drought relief code without waiting for assistance from the Centre.
(PTI News)
