Over 60 lakh hectares of farms hit by rains, have sought relief from Centre, says Fadnavis

Around 60 lakh hectares of farmland have been affected by heavy rains and floods, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday, adding that the State government has approached the Centre seeking a relief package.

The CM added that the final relief policy would be declared after the next Cabinet meeting. Rejecting the Opposition’s demand to declare a “wet drought” in Maharashtra, Mr. Fadnavis said such a term does not exist officially.

“The damage assessment will be done over the next few days. Till then, the State will provide the aid and disburse the funds before Deepavali. The amount received from the Centre will be used as reimbursement,” he said.

Regarding the Maha Vikas Aghadi’s push for the announcement of a wet drought, Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne remarked, “What difference does it make whether you call it a drought or a wet drought? We are providing relief to farmers as per drought provisions. Loan recovery won’t be done. Electricity charges won’t be levied. School fees will be waived.”

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule demanded a prompt and complete loan waiver for farmers. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar accused the government of delay in submitting a relief proposal to the Centre.

The State government has approached the Centre for a relief package and a detailed proposal will be sent soon, said an official at the Chief Minister’s Office.