Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on Sunday urged Governor Acharya Devvrat to convene a special three-day session of the state legislature to address the widespread devastation caused by torrential rains and flooding in parts of Maharashtra, reported the PTI.
In a letter to the Governor, Jayant Patil, a former state minister, said that relentless downpours have wreaked havoc throughout Maharashtra this year, with rainfall intensity increasing significantly over the past week.
“Streams and rivers are overflowing, farmland has turned to mud, livestock has perished, many people remain stranded in flood-affected areas, and several lives have been lost. There is chaos across the state,” he wrote, according to the PTI.
Having visited several flood-hit villages to assess the ground situation, Patil said that farmers are facing an unprecedented crisis.
“Not only have crops been destroyed, but in many areas, even the fertile topsoil has been washed away. The damage is so extensive that a year’s hard work may not suffice for recovery,” Patil said.
“In such a crisis, the government must provide substantial aid, yet it appears to be falling short. Therefore, a special three-day session of the Maharashtra legislature should be convened to thoroughly discuss the situation and take immediate action,” he demanded, as per thee PTI.
Patil stated that the state government must announce a relief grant for flood-affected landless agricultural labourers.
In a post on X, Jayant Patil shared that he had visited several flood-affected villages in the districts of Solapur, Dharashiv, and Beed over the past two days, observing that landless farm workers have suffered severe losses.
“The government must carry out immediate damage assessments and extend financial assistance to those affected. Landless families have lost all means of livelihood. Many had already suffered due to heavy rains last month, and with limited employment opportunities in the weeks ahead, it is essential to announce a substantial relief package without delay,” he said, the news agency reported.
The NCP (SP) leader concluded by urging the government to urgently address the difficulties faced by farmers, labourers, and the wider public, and to implement prompt and effective relief measures.
(with PTI inputs)
