Maha govt yet to start drought relief measures, claims Munde

Mumbai, Nov 8 (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde claimed Wednesday that the BJP-led state government had yet to take any steps for drought relief. On October 31, the state government declared drought in 151 talukas in 26 of the 36 districts in the state. Speaking to reporters in the drought-affected Beed district, Munde said, "The declaration of drought is only on paper."  The government had not yet initiated any drought relief measures, he alleged.

"Beed district has been especially neglected. The chief minister is not holding review meetings here. May be because district guardian minister (Pankaja Munde, his estranged cousin) is not in the country," the NCP leader said. The drought looming over the state is worse than the one in 1972, but the government is yet to provide financial assistance and arrange supply of drinking water and fodder, he claimed.

The opposition will not let the state legislature function during the coming winter session until the government concedes its demand of assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare to farmers, waiver of their electricity bills and supply of water tankers and fodder, Munde said. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had said Tuesday that the state will seek Rs 7,000 crore from the Centre for drought relief.

When contacted for his reaction on Munde's allegation, Fadnavis said all relief measures that are necessary during a drought are being taken. He will hold a review meeting in Beed district soon after Diwali, the chief minister added.