Chandrashekhar Bawankule at drought review meeting
He said Amravati received only 56% of its average rainfall this monsoon. Crop loss assessment has been completed and a proposal seeking Rs 734 crore in compensation for farmers has been submitted to the state govt. Farmers are being provided 12-hour power supply for Rabi cultivation, while awareness drives will discourage cultivation of water-intensive crops. A District Connect App has been launched to coordinate drought-management efforts across 11 departments and provide real-time information to field agencies. To improve groundwater recharge, the Groundwater Survey Department has proposed 1,700 recharge shafts, while 1,800 water conservation works will be taken up under the Viksit Bharat employment and livelihood programme. The district will also dig 42,000 Jaltara pits. Anticipating drinking water shortages, he directed officials to immediately complete water supply schemes that are at least 75% finished, provide necessary power connections and commission them without delay.
Amravati : With drought conditions expected to intensify in the coming months due to the impact of El Niño, district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the administration to remain fully prepared and take proactive measures to minimise its impact.
Chairing a review meeting, Bawankule said the district machinery would play a crucial role in managing the crisis and asked officials to remain vigilant. The minister said groundwater levels have fallen sharply and major reservoirs hold only about half their capacity. Public wells should be repaired and maintained for emergency use, he said.
Bawankule also directed officials to organise a workshop to sensitise departments and prepare village-level drought mitigation plans. He asked the administration to study and replicate successful measures adopted in Dharashiv district.