Solapur district collector S Karthikeyan inspects wells
No other authority can sanction leave while drought conditions persist in the district,” the collector said. As chairperson of district disaster management authority (DDMA), Karthikeyan told officials to stay stationed at their headquarters and avoid unnecessary travel. The directive covers key departments, including revenue, agriculture, rural development, food and civil supplies, urban development, land records, Mahavitaran, water resources and Solapur University, among others. “Officers are expected to remain at their headquarters and address the emergency situation. Except in unavoidable circumstances, leave will require my prior approval. In a communication to department heads, Karthikeyan highlighted the growing financial and psychological stress on farmers caused by water scarcity, fodder shortages and crop losses. He stressed that the administration must remain fully responsive to tackle the crisis at the grassroots level.