Effective Planning Needed for Water Supply, Fodder and Employment Guarantee Works
Nashik, October 2026: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed all government departments to remain alert and ensure effective, time-bound implementation of decisions taken to provide immediate relief to farmers amid the drought situation in the state.
He said the administration must prioritise drinking water, fodder for livestock, tanker-based water supply, employment guarantee works and financial assistance to farmers. Planning should also ensure adequate drinking water and fodder for livestock until August 2027.
Shinde was speaking at a review meeting held on Monday afternoon at the planning hall on the premises of the District Collector’s Office in Nashik.
Those present included State Water Resources Minister and Nashik Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, Mayor Himgauri Adke Aher, MPs Rajabhau Waje and Bhaskar Bhagare, MLAs Gokul Gite, Kishor Darade and Seema Hire, Principal Secretary Navin Sona, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority Chairman and Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam, Authority Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Municipal Commissioner Manisha Khatri, District Collector Ayush Prasad, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Ravindra Mane and other officials.
Reviewing drought mitigation measures, Shinde said the government stood firmly with farmers during the crisis. Ensuring that the benefits of government decisions reach eligible farmers on time was an important responsibility of the administration. All concerned departments must ensure that there were no delays in providing assistance.
Long-Term Planning to Tackle Water Scarcity
Considering the possibility of water shortages in the coming months, the deputy chief minister directed officials to give the highest priority to drinking water.
The administration should assess water availability in each village, the requirement for water tankers, fodder availability for livestock and employment guarantee works, and plan the necessary measures accordingly. Water supply and drought mitigation plans must take into account potential requirements until August 2027.
He also directed officials to accelerate water conservation works, the Galmukt Dharan–Galyukt Shivar initiative, farm ponds and other measures aimed at increasing water storage.
No Delays in Crop Damage Assessments and Relief Distribution
Crop damage assessments, verification of farmers’ applications and distribution of financial assistance must be completed transparently and promptly. Officials must ensure that no eligible farmer is deprived of assistance.
If farmers face difficulties with documentation, Aadhaar authentication or other administrative procedures, local officials and employees must resolve their problems immediately.
Necessary steps should be taken to transfer the immediate financial assistance announced for farmers directly into their bank accounts without delay. Coordination must also be maintained between loan waiver and drought relief processes to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the assistance due to them.
Avoid Coercive Loan Recovery from Farmers
Farmers must not face unnecessary pressure for loan recovery during the drought. Nationalised banks, cooperative banks and microfinance institutions must comply with government directives and deal sensitively with farmers' difficulties.
The administration must remain particularly vigilant to ensure that farmers do not lose hope because of the crisis and receive the necessary support and assistance.
Emotional Support for Farmers Is Essential
Shinde emphasised that farmers facing drought need not only financial assistance but also emotional support and reassurance.
Officials should understand farmers' difficulties and resolve their problems promptly. The administration must work sensitively to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left without assistance.
He reiterated that the government stood firmly with farmers and would extend all possible support to help them overcome the crisis.
Implement Educational Concessions for Students
Students in drought-affected areas must receive the concessions announced by the government in educational fees and other applicable areas.
The Divisional Commissioner, District Collectors and concerned departments must ensure effective implementation of these decisions. Action should be taken in accordance with the rules if government orders are not followed, Shinde said.
He urged the Revenue, Agriculture, Water Resources, Water Conservation, Animal Husbandry, Rural Development and other concerned departments to coordinate their efforts in drought mitigation.
All agencies must work together and make appropriate use of available resources to provide relief to farmers and rural communities, he said. District Collector Ayush Prasad briefed the meeting on the measures currently being implemented in the district.
Detailed Planning for the Flag-Hoisting Ceremony
In view of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2027, Shinde directed all concerned departments to prepare detailed plans for the flag-hoisting ceremony and work in close coordination.
He instructed officials to plan all necessary arrangements for the event and ensure their effective implementation.
Considering the anticipated presence of very important persons, dignitaries and devotees, the administration must make arrangements for traffic management, security, crowd control, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, emergency services and parking.
The concerned administrative agencies in Nashik and Trimbakeshwar must coordinate their activities and clearly allocate responsibilities for the events at both locations.
Shinde also directed officials to respect religious traditions and the sanctity of the ceremony while ensuring safe and convenient facilities for devotees. All departments must remain fully prepared to ensure that the flag-hoisting ceremony is conducted in an orderly, safe and smooth manner.
