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| Water scarcity poses
threat, warns Vilasrao, Deshmukh |
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has called for greater
public participation in managing water resources saying that scarcity
is no longer confined to rural areas.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, after the two-day
Cabinet Meeting for reviewing the Marathwada Statutory Development
Board (MSDB), the Chief Minister admitted that water scarcity is a
major issue and Marathwada region is worst hit in the state.
Deshmukh said that water scarcity is a problem not just in rural
areas but also in urban areas, where 50 per cent of the population
resides.
Calling for greater social awareness and control for managing this
fast depleting natural resource, he said that water needs to be
used judiciously.
More than 500 tankers are supplying water in different regions
in the state, of which 252 tankers are on the roads in Marathwada
itself, he pointed out.
The Chief Minister said that 5736 kharif villages and 1671 rabi
villages have been declared drought-affected. He said all local bodies,
including Zilla Parishads, Ground Water Survey and Development Agency
(GSDA) and district collectors, have been directed to assist in dealing
with drought conditions.
Regarding fodder, Deshmukh said the situation is not grave.
However, provision has been made to set up animal shelters if the
need arises. Restrictions have been imposed on the sale of fodder
outside respective districts and district guardian ministers have
been instructed to monitor the drought situation till June end.
In connection of the waters from Krishna Valley Development
project, Deshmukh said that the chief engineer of the Koyna project
will submit a report for diverting 21 TMC of water. When queried,
he admitted there was delay but added that the administration is working
on the directions of the Governor and the issue will be resolved soon.
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