Drought conditions are severe in Marathwada
Subhash Ware, president of the SM Joshi Socialist Foundation, said residents of Marathwada staying in Pune are concerned about the situation and wish to contribute to solutions. Long- and short-term solutions will be suggested to eliminate drought from the region,” he told TOI . Water expert DM More, who was also in attendance, said, “There should be a ban on sugarcane cultivation, which uses a lot of water, and on sugar factories in drought-affected areas. Similarly, senior socialist leader Gajanan Khatu said, “The real root issue behind the drought is dryland agriculture (cultivation of crops entirely under rainfed conditions without any irrigation). Ghotale said, “Work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) should be started in cities for migrants. Mhaske echoed, “There is a need to change the nature of the employment guarantee scheme and update it looking at the nature of jobs, amount of wage, etc. ” The experts also said a study committee will be formed to advise govt on steps that can be taken to tide over the crisis.
The meeting was organised in Navi Peth by SM Joshi Socialist Foundation and Marathwada Coordination Committee (Marathwada Samanvay Samiti) based in Pune. Experts from the fields of agriculture, water conservation, education and administration participated in the discussion. “The drought situation in Marathwada is more acute and requires attention. Experts attending the meeting are formulating an action plan that will be tabled before state govt. This needs to be looked into. Khatu also pressed for the region’s development plan to be implemented by considering the taluka as a unit for a more focused perspective. Unique Foundation director Vivek Ghotale and advocate Santosh Mhaske both laid emphasis on employment for affected individuals.