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.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. 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.The minister said groundwater levels have fallen sharply and major reservoirs hold only about half their capacity. Drinking water needs have been accorded top priority while allocating available stocks. As borewell water levels in Morshi taluka have declined significantly, permission for new borewells will not be granted. Expert assistance will be sought to revive defunct borewells.Officials informed that fodder stocks sufficient for around 100 days are available. To bridge future shortages, fodder cultivation has been initiated on 20 hectares of grazing land. Bawankule directed officials to prevent fodder from being transported outside the district and to form a committee to recommend regulatory measures. Brick-making units using crop residue have also been instructed to reserve 50% of their stock.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.To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, Rs 20 crore has been allocated from the District Planning Fund. Bawankule instructed MSEDCL’s chief engineer to hold monthly meetings with public representatives and proposed appointing and training a Gram Vidyut Vyavasthapak in every village.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. Public wells should be repaired and maintained for emergency use, he said.The minister also asked MLAs heading taluka-level coordination committees to hold regular review meetings, prepare village development plans with a focus on water conservation, plug leakages in tap water schemes and promote judicious water use. He further directed officials to repair and maintain both functional and non-functional wells ahead of the summer season.Among those present were MPs Balwant Wankhade and Dr Anil Bonde, several legislators, Divisional Commissioner Nayana Gunde, Collector Ashish Yerekar, Municipal Commissioner Dr Mangesh Gondawale, CEO Satyam Gandhi, and Sub-Divisional Officer Siddharth Shukla.
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