Beed: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Beed district Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar reviewed the severe drought situation in the district on Saturday, October 17, directing officials to expedite relief measures amid crop losses, drinking water shortages and growing fodder concerns.

At a meeting at the District Collector’s Office, Pawar instructed agricultural and revenue officials to complete crop damage assessments promptly and ensure transparency in crop insurance procedures. Most assessments are underway, and further action will follow once reports are received.

Drinking water remains a priority, with 225 tankers currently supplying water across the district. Pawar directed officials to monitor tanker operations through GPS and prohibited the use of potable water for construction. She also called for urgent water conservation measures, including recharging water sources, desilting rivers and canals, deepening waterways and repairing wells.

To address the fodder shortage, officials were asked to prepare in advance and train farmers in producing silage, hydroponic fodder and Azolla. Employment guarantee works under the VB-G Ramji scheme should be linked with water conservation to provide local jobs and prevent distress migration, she said.

Pawar also appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary expenditure on weddings and birthdays during the crisis and consider mass wedding ceremonies.

She urged government employees to remain at their headquarters, maintain regular contact with farmers and provide counselling and support. Emphasising coordination across departments, Pawar assured residents that the state government was implementing emergency measures to provide relief and help farmers withstand the drought.

The review was attended by elected representatives, district officials and senior officers from concerned departments.