Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Divisional commissioner G Sreekanth has directed collectors of all eight Marathwada districts to urgently prepare contingency plans to tackle likely drinking water shortages, drought-like conditions, heatwaves, crop losses and fodder scarcity amid forecasts of a possible El Niño-induced weak monsoon.
Immediate Coordination Meetings Ordered
In a letter issued on Monday to collectors of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Parbhani, Hingoli, Nanded, Beed, Latur and Dharashiv, Sreekanth instructed district administrations to convene immediate coordination meetings and roll out preventive measures across departments.
Review of Water Supply and Infrastructure
Collectors have been asked to review drinking water supply, identify vulnerable villages and assess reservoir storage to plan ahead. The directive also calls for repairing damaged check dams and desilting water bodies to improve storage capacity.
Alternative Crop Plans and Farmer Support
Districts have been told to prepare alternative crop plans suited for low rainfall, ensure availability of seeds and fertilisers, and step up farmer awareness efforts. Measures for fodder supply, livestock drinking water and animal protection have also been prioritised.
Heatwave Mitigation Measures
To mitigate heatwave risks, officials have been instructed to avoid deploying workers for outdoor work between 2pm and 4pm. The communication further stresses water conservation drives, tanker management, recharge of wells and borewells, and coordinated action plans involving all departments, with detailed preparedness reports to be submitted to the divisional office and state government.
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