Maharashtra water storage lower than last year, says CM Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar attend a customary tea reception on the eve of the Monsoon Session of the state legislature. PIC/PTI

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said Maharashtra's water storage is lower than last year, stressing the need for careful water management to avoid any drinking water shortage until the monsoon improves. The concern comes months after the government had already begun preparations for a possible rainfall deficit.

In April, taking lessons from the impact of previous El Nino years, Fadnavis had chaired a high-level meeting in Mumbai and directed officials to start early measures to minimise damage from below-normal rainfall, as forecast by weather experts.

Mahayuti salms MVA

The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar's NCP, slammed the Opposition for levelling false and baseless allegations against the current regime. The MVA (Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar-led NCP) only keeps making allegations rather than doing constructive work, the Mahayuti said.

CM claims op successful

As news of Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel MP Omraje Nimbalkar joining Shinde Sena spread, referring to the ‘Operation Tiger' allegedly led by the Shinde-led Sena to engineer another split in the Shiv Sena (UBT), the CM, in a light vein, stated that the operation is successful.

Advice for farmers

Farmers have been advised to sow only after proper consultation with weather experts and taking into account the official forecast issued.

Ladki Bahin list deletions

Nearly 80 lakh Ladki Bahin beneficiaries have been pulled out of the list of those receiving the monthly financial assistance. Speaking about speculation of the government's flagship closure, Fadnavi stated that the scheme will continue. Referring to a large number of deletions, the CM said, "Many opportunities were given to complete the e-KYC. But many did not fit the terms and conditions set for receiving the monthly financial assistance. That's the reason this number of people are out of the list of beneficiaries."

‘Not meeting expectations'

The Congress, Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Shiv Sena (UBT) boycotted the traditional tea party invitation by the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Addressing the media, MVA leaders claimed that the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP have failed to keep their promises and meet the expectations of the common people. All decisions taken by them keep elections at the centre stage, MVA leaders alleged.