Devendra Fadnavis to meet PM Modi to seek drought relief package

NEW DELHI: With drought looming over parts of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, along with his ministerial colleagues, would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon to seek a relief package.

Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse met Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh here today to seek funds under the National Calamity Relief Fund.

Talking to reporters later, Khadse said that the Chief Minister would be touring Vidarbha and Marathwada regions on November 25 and 27 respectively, to review the drought situation.

Scarcity conditions are prevailing in several districts, including Buldhana, Amravati and Akola of Vidarbha region and as many as 127 talukas in the state, he said, adding that the horticulture sector spread over 1.86 lakh hectares has also been affected.

During the meeting, Khadse sought Rs 651 crore for this purpose.

An appointment has been sought with the PM next month during which the Chief Minister along with state Agriculture, Water Resources and other minister would impress upon the Centre for a relief package, he said.

Khadse, who attended the Jal Manthan conference convened by the Union Water Resources Ministry, said that the Centre has sought a detailed project report on the Daman Ganga Pinjal project, which would help tide over the water scarcity in Mumbai.