Drought-Hit Beed Stares At Crop Losses, Water Crisis

Beed district is grappling with a severe drought, resulting in devastating crop losses and a water crisis. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team conducted a two-day inspection tour to assess the damage and engage with farmers in need of urgent government support. Primary water sources, such as the Bindusara reservoir, have degraded significantly, with only 5% of its live storage capacity remaining.

The city now relies heavily on the Majalgaon dam, diverting most local supplies for drinking purposes. Rural areas also face acute water shortages, with percolation tanks and groundwater levels plummeting. Farmers, like Sudhakar Thombre and Rekha Kokate, are witnessing reduced harvests, with some expecting yields as low as 1.5 to two quintals from three acres of soybean.

Horticulture has suffered immensely, with pomegranate and sweet lime orchards facing complete drying up due to water scarcity. Cattle owners are struggling to find fodder, with prices soaring and little left for cattle feed. Farmers are requesting ₹2 lakh per hectare in financial aid, a ₹50,000 subsidy for farm ponds, and the immediate opening of fodder depots and cattle camps.

Social activist Dr Ganesh Dhawale has raised concerns about the timing of rain-gauge installations, alleging that equipment was placed on Friday night, shortly before the team's visit. The installation of rain gauges is crucial for accurately assessing rainfall deficits and determining drought-relief requirements.