Heavy rains and floods have damaged approximately 60 lakh hectares of land in Maharashtra, according to an initial estimate, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday, reported the PTI.
The state government has decided to extend all facilities typically provided during drought-like situations to the affected population.
However, CM Fadnavis ruled out declaring a “wet drought”, a demand raised by the Opposition, stating that no such term exists in the official disaster management manual.
Speaking after a weekly cabinet meeting, CM Fadnavis said, “The damage assessment will be completed within two to three days, and a comprehensive relief policy will be announced next week. After all assessments are done, a memorandum will be sent to the Centre seeking a relief package. Until then, the state will provide necessary assistance. The central aid will function as reimbursement,” according to the PTI.
He also announced that disbursement of Rs 2,215 crore in aid for crop losses incurred up to August has already commenced. “Farmers will receive compensation directly into their bank accounts before Diwali,” he assured.
Despite the refusal to label the situation as a wet drought, CM Fadnavis stated, “We have decided to extend all drought-related benefits to affected individuals. While the term ‘wet drought’ is not officially recognised, support will not be denied,” as per the PTI.
The recent torrential rains and flooding have wreaked havoc on agricultural lands, especially in eight districts of Marathwada, along with Solapur, Satara, and Sangli in western Maharashtra.
On the issue of banks issuing loan recovery notices to distressed farmers, Fadnavis clarified that the notices relate to older dues. He added, “Banks will be directed not to proceed with recovery actions at this time.”
Meanwhile, Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the government for failing to halt coercive recovery processes.
“When farmers are devastated, how can banks serve loan recovery notices? Is the government asleep?” Wadettiwar questioned, according to the PTI.
According to Wadettiwar, 24 districts and 137 talukas have been severely affected by the rains in September, impacting over 26 lakh hectares. He further claimed that 52 lakh hectares of kharif crops have been destroyed, with both kharif and rabi seasons now under threat due to soil erosion and waterlogging.
He accused the government of delaying the submission of a relief proposal to the Centre and noted that no Central inspection team has visited the affected regions so far.
Wadettiwar demanded that the state announce substantial relief measures ahead of Diwali and take immediate steps to rehabilitate farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated.
(with PTI inputs)
