The Maharashtra government is seeking a loan of ₹5,000 crore from the World Bank for drought-mitigation measures such as water conservation and changing the crop pattern, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

He said the government has submitted a proposal to the External Affairs Ministry on the instructions of World Bank and a meeting was held between officials of both sides recently.

Drought-mitigation fund

“We have requested World Bank officials to help us tackle drought from the specific fund they have created for drought mitigation,” Fadnavis told reporters.

The State is seeking ₹5,000 crore from the world body’s drought-mitigation fund, he said.

“The World Bank will support 3,000 villages from Marathwada and 2,000 from Vidarbha to make them drought-free. We will focus on water conservation works and later decide the crop pattern of drought-prone regions,” Fadnavis said.

Target districts

The scheme will be implemented in Aurangabad, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad and Akola, Buldhana and Amravati districts.

Asked about the government’s stand on the sugarcane crop, which consumes large quantity of water, Fadnavis said cane farming is sustainable and thus the first choice of agriculturists. “We cannot stop sugar mills (from operating) but we can bring sugarcane crop under drip irrigation.”

Replying to another question, Fadnavis said municipal corporations have been directed to provide treated sewage water to industries. “Kalyan-Dombilvli and Thane Municipal Corporations have been specifically asked to adopt this system as the industries around these cities use fresh water supplied by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation,” he added.

Related Topics