The campaign aims to ensure that every family in drought-hit villages remains safe, has access to water and receives support until the rains return
Running for nine months, from Oct 2026 to June 2027, the campaign aims to ensure that every family in drought-hit villages remains safe, has access to water and receives support until the rains return. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: As drought tightens its grip on Jalna district, collector Ashima Mittal has launched the ‘Gaon Dattak’ initiative, urging NGOs, corporates, industrial houses, elected representatives and citizens to adopt villages and support them until the next monsoon. Responding to the appeal, Jalna district guardian minister Pankaja Munde has announced that she will adopt Antarwali Sarati, the epicentre of the Maratha reservation movement led by Manoj Jarange.
Mittal said people can contribute by lending to farmers and women’s self-help groups through Rang De, an RBI-regulated peer-to-peer lending platform. PDS, MGNREGA and govt tankers will continue under the district plan,” Mittal said. They can also support a rural family, buy goods from village producers, visit villages and participate in family and community occasions, including births, mass weddings and festivals. “Funds will be accepted only through recognised CSR and donation channels, and only for verified needs.
As per the available data, Jalna received 452.7 mm rain this monsoon against the average of 616.2 mm, a deficit of 26%. Ghansawangi recorded 38.7% below-average rainfall, followed by Ambad (35.4%) and Partur (29.9%). Groundwater has dropped by an average 3.69 metres, and 47 out of the 67 irrigation projects are dry or in dead storage. Fodder for 6.33 lakh animals will last here only 62 days. Officials estimate 937 villages and wadis will face water scarcity by June 2027, 502 of them by Dec. Tanker deployment, at 29 now, is planned to go up to 135 at peak demand. About 250 priority villages among 971 will be allotted to partners in the first phase. Mittal will review progress monthly, with milestones on Nov 26 and Jan 10. Those wishing to participate can call their taluka helpline: 7378910442, 7378910458, 7378910465, 7378910478, 7378910482, 7378910483, 7378910487 or 7378910496.
Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news.
Gaon Dattak links each village with a committed supporter and a helpline,” Mittal said. Each taluka will have a helpline staffed by a trained team member, allowing callers to choose “I need help” or “I want to help”. All eight talukas have triggered the first stage of the drought code. “The administration is handling tankers, wages and fodder, but it cannot reach every household alone. An eight-member district crisis team, with one member from each taluka, will prioritise cases and follow up until resolution. Each village will nominate two or three contact persons, including a talathi, gram sevak, teacher or ASHA worker, to ensure delivery. Download the TOI App.