'Jalyukt Shivar to bring down scarcity allocation by 50%'

Maharashtra Government's budgetary allocation for scarcity action plan is set to be halved due to "ample" availability of water in farm ponds and trenches under state's flagship 'Jalyukt Shivar' or micro irrigation scheme, state minister Babanrao Lonikar said today.
"There has been ample water stored in trenches, lakes and farm ponds created under 'Jalyukt Shivar' campaign. State's annual expenditure over scarcity action plan is set to be saved by at least 50% because more water is available either on surface or in ground water than last year," the Water Supply and Sanitation Minister told PTI.
The "Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan" was launched by the Devendra Fadnavis government in a bid to make Maharashtra a drought-free state by 2019. The project involves deepening and widening of streams, construction of cement and earthen stop dams, work on nullahs and digging of farm ponds.

"After the monsoon season is over, generally by October 15, the district collectors in the state prepare scarcity action plan for October to December, January to March and April to June. The plan is reviewed after every three months and next allocation is sanctioned. In the coming months, we are set to save 50% of our budget compared to previous year's expenditure," Lonikar said.
He said the rainfall distribution in the current year was somewhat erratic and the state administration had to supply water through tankers during the monsoon season as well.
"In such situation, state's scarcity action plan is of Rs 514.56 crore till December end. It is chiefly because of the tanker-based drinking water supply in some arid regions. But, the ground water level has been improved in the state and there will be less demand for financial allocation for coming months," the minister added.