25 pc of Maha budget for drought relief, water conservation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said 25 per cent of the budgetary funds this year will go to long-term water conservation measures and drought relief schemes.
Replying to a two-day debate in the Legislative Assembly on the state's drought situation, Chavan said the government has made elaborate planning to ensure supply of drinking water till July end.
"Reservoirs have been reserved for drinking water, priority has been given for drinking water needs," he said, adding that District Collectors have been sanctioned Rs 2 crore for emergency planning.
In the 15 drought-affected districts, alternative sources of water have been identified, he said, adding that Tehsildars have been authorised to sanction tankers for drinking water supply; earlier this power was only with the Collector.

The government will pay two-third of the electricity bills of 20 per cent of villages where the crop yield is less than 50 per cent. One hundred and forty regional water supply schemes and 2,400 hamlets will be benefited by this decision, he said.
The pre-condition of deposit for starting cattle camps have been waived, Chavan said.
More than 50 per cent of crop on 62,000 hectares has been affected due to hailstorm and unseasonal rains in the past two months, he said, adding that compensation of Rs 10,000 per hectare will be given for grape, banana and pomegranate plantations, while other crops will get Rs 5,000 per hectare.

The Chief Minister also said that the Centre has been requested to allow disbursement of foodgrains under PDS to APL card holders at subsidised rates meant for the below-poverty-line category.