Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Minister Sanjay Shirsat Directs Officials To Prioritise Scarcity Relief Works

In the drought-stricken Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, State Minister for Social Justice and district guardian Sanjay Shirsat has instructed officials to prioritize relief works this week. During a meeting of the district-level monitoring committee, Shirsat reviewed drought relief measures and emphasized the need to focus on scarcity mitigation activities.

Shirsat reviewed the district's available water reserves and fodder supply, stressing the importance of boosting fodder production to avoid sourcing it externally. He proposed providing subsidies to farmers cultivating fodder under the Fodder Development Programme and encouraging farmers with land along canals to cultivate fodder crops. District Collector Vinay Gowda GC noted that fodder cultivation can take place along the Godavari River and in the dam backwater areas of Gangapur taluka.

Shirsat directed that priority be given to scarcity relief measures while utilizing funds, and a control room should be established to manage relief funds and materials. He also suggested involving voluntary organizations and utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from industries to aid in drought relief operations.

A system for monitoring tanker transport via GPS and controlling operations from the district headquarters was directed. Shirsat instructed the creation of a proper schedule for water supply rotations and distribution, with priority given to desilting work and free transportation of removed silt to farmers' fields. Additionally, employment opportunities for farm labourers were prioritized at the local level.

Shirsat emphasized that farmers should receive assistance before Diwali and that the district should implement scarcity relief measures as a model for the entire state.