Rs7,200 crore notwithstanding, CM likely to ask PM for more to tackle Maharashtra drought

In spite of union minister Uma Bharati assuring Rs7,200 crore for pending irrigation projects in Maharashtra's farmer suicide-hit 14 districts, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is likely to demand additional funding for combating the unprecedented drought situation when he meets prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.

Modi will be reviewing the drought situation in various states during a meeting with CMs on Saturday. Fadnavis on Thursday had held a video conference with all district collectors of Maharashtra and reviewed drought relief measures.

Fadnavis is expected to suggest judicious use of water and water audit for agriculture use. It is likely that he will seek more subsidy for drip irrigation so that the entire sugarcane crop can be brought under it in the next three to four years. He is also likely to ask for increased funding for completing irrigation projects; this issue was raised even by NCP president Sharad Pawar in Rajya Sabha during the debate.

The CM has prepared a detailed presentation on the number of drought-affected villages, measures taken by his government and funding and central support needed for undertaking long-term steps.