Sharad Pawar begins tour of drought-hit Maharashtra regions
NCP (SP) chief calls for priority on water, fodder and jobs for farmers while visiting affected districts.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar started a tour of drought-affected areas in Maharashtra on Sunday, according to The Times of India. He stated that the government must prioritise providing employment, fodder and water to farmers facing drought conditions.
Pawar intends to travel to Beed, Dharashiv and Solapur districts to meet with local farmers and evaluate the current crisis. He plans to present his findings and suggested solutions to the chief minister and relevant Union ministers after his visits.
The leader noted that water scarcity is a concern in urban areas like Pune and mentioned that supplies must be managed until June next year. He advised that water must be used judiciously and called for political parties to unite to address the crisis.
During his tour, Pawar visited Tulshi village in Madha tehsil, where he donated Rs 50 lakh to support water conservation projects. The village has faced irrigation issues for nearly 25 years due to the pending Sina-Madha lift irrigation scheme.
Tulshi sarpanch Sharad More said the financial aid would help speed up the village's water conservation work. The village is currently working on a water percolation project and aims to develop 18 such lakes to improve groundwater availability.