The Maharashtra government has asked district collectors to mobilise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding from major industries and businesses to support drought-relief measures, with drinking water and fodder emerging as key priorities across affected areas. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed collectors to engage industrial units in their respective districts and seek assistance for water conservation, livestock support and other drought-mitigation activities.
Bawankule said the government would arrange water tankers, drinking water supplies and cattle camps, but called for participation from industries, business organisations and other sections of society to supplement government efforts. He asked district administrations to make maximum use of available CSR resources for drought-relief initiatives.
The move comes as drought-like conditions have been reported across a large number of talukas in Maharashtra. According to recent government assessments cited by officials, 265 talukas have been identified under the Trigger-1 drought criteria, while 43 talukas have reached conditions warranting Trigger-2 measures. The administration has also ordered detailed ground assessments of crop conditions, with a final report expected by October 25.
DPC Funds May Be Redirected Towards Drought Measures
Bawankule has also indicated that funds under District Planning Committees (DPCs) could be redirected towards drought mitigation this year if required. The government is prioritising drinking water and fodder over certain infrastructure works in areas facing water shortages.
The minister has specifically asked officials to avoid unnecessary cement-road projects in villages where drinking-water sources could come under pressure. Instead, priority is being given to cattle camps, recharge shafts, watershed development, traditional water-conservation structures, check dams and desilting or deepening of drains. Infrastructure works may continue in areas where adequate water resources are available.
The state government has also been examining broader measures to preserve available water resources for the coming months. A recent drought-relief meeting considered maintaining water reserves through the next monsoon and prioritising drinking water, fodder and agricultural requirements in water allocation.
Bawankule said the government would also focus on essential public infrastructure, including healthcare, sanitation, water supply, school buildings and anganwadis, alongside immediate drought-relief requirements.
CSR to Support Rural Water and Livestock Needs
The proposed mobilisation of CSR funds would allow district administrations to approach major companies operating in their regions and seek support for projects directly linked to drought mitigation. Potential areas include drinking-water arrangements, water harvesting and recharge infrastructure, livestock fodder and other community-level interventions.
The government has also been considering measures to expand fodder availability. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has proposed allocating 5% of District Planning Committee funds towards the Maharashtra Fodder Development Policy, according to a report carried by UNI. A proposed women’s empowerment initiative would also provide eligible self-help groups with government revenue land and financial assistance to cultivate fodder.
The emphasis on water conservation is also reflected in earlier directions issued by Bawankule to revive old water-storage structures and strengthen local water bodies. Officials have been asked to undertake recharge and conservation work and make greater use of employment and agriculture-linked schemes in rural areas.
Government Steps Up Drought Monitoring
The drought-relief response is being overseen by an 11-member cabinet subcommittee, with its final report scheduled to be submitted by October 25. The committee has been examining rainfall, crop conditions, water availability and the requirements of affected communities.
District administrations have also been instructed to conduct physical assessments of crop damage rather than relying solely on digital surveys. Officials including agriculture officers, gram sevaks and talathis have been directed to undertake field-level assessments and ensure that farmers’ crop-loss records are properly documented.
Alongside drought relief, Bawankule has directed district collectors to engage with banks and cooperative credit institutions. The government has also asked officials to ensure that farmers are not subjected to aggressive loan-recovery visits during the drought situation, while examining whether further directions could be sought from the Reserve Bank of India.
With water availability, livestock fodder and crop conditions emerging as immediate concerns, Maharashtra’s latest measures place greater emphasis on directing available public and private resources towards drought mitigation, while seeking additional support from industries through CSR initiatives.
Disclaimer: This report has been editorially prepared using publicly available information and official statements. Readers are advised to refer to official announcements for further details.
Author
About the Author
