Cong objects to govt declaring drought in only eight tehsils

The Opposition Congress has raised objection over drought being declared in only 8 tehsils in Vidarbha and North Maharashtra by the state government. The revenue department on Tuesday issued Government Resolution (GR) declaring drought in Yeotmal, Washim and Jalgaon district.

Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, leader of Opposition (LoP) in assembly, objected and said that it is impossible that there is drought in only 8 tehsils, when, in fact, the whole of Vidarbha and Marathwada is facing drought-like situation. “The government hides the fact to ensure they can run from the facts and save the financial burden on state exchequer,” said Vikhe-Patil.

The GR stated, due to lack of rain in June to September 2017, the groundwater level went deep and hence it affected production of agricultural crops. The state has declared drought in Ralegaon, Digras, Ghatanji, Kelapur and Yeotmal tehsil of Yeotmal district, Washim tehsil and Muktainagar and Bodwad tehsil in Jalgaon district.

The state will give relief in land revenue tax, stay will be given to recovery of loan related to agriculture sector, 33.5 per cent concession will be given on electricity bill for agriculture pumps used for irrigation. The GR also stated that tankers of drinking water will be provided to villages according to necessity. The power connection will not be disconnected in villages comes under these eight tehsils.

Vikhe-Patil criticised the state government and claimed it had no sympathy for farmers. He has written a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking that the CM announce drought in other parts of the state.

“The state government is biased and has given injustice to other villages where the situation is really worst. Several villages are facing scarcity of drinking water. Farmers have to spent huge manpower and money to fetch water from distance source. In future, the situation may become worst than today and hence, there is need to take some measure to tackle the situation, VikhePatil has stated in his letter.

Vikhe-Patil further pointed out that the farmers from Vidarbha are yet to receive exgratia amount from the government which was announced in 2015.