Drought-like situation in Maharashtra

Worried over drought-like situation in Maharashtra, CM Vilasrao Deshmukh appealed to the people to ration use of drinking water.

Worried over drought-like situation in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Tuesday appealed to the people to ration use of drinking water.

HT Image

"Even the Meteorological Department has warned that there will be less than normal rainfall in the state, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and people should use water meticulously", Deshmukh told reporters on the eve of the monsoon session of the state legislature.

Deshmukh said he was 'personally satisfied' with the implementation of central government's loan waiver package in the state.

"Almost 37.51 lakh farmers in Maharashtra have benefitted from the package and received relief to the tune of Rs 7,767 crore", the Chief Minister said.

The government would set up district-level committee on implementation of a government resolution on providing 80 per cent jobs to locals, he said in response to a query.

On the 'threats' issued by MNS chief Raj Thackeray to principals of English medium schools on making Marathi compulsory language from first standard, Deshmukh said Raj has no right to issue these directives.

Bills to be introduced during the session include those on cotton seeds, sea fishing, domestic workers, money-lenders and also one on SEZs as approved by the central government, he said.

Bills to be reintroduced include one on self-finance schemes and witchcraft abolition.