17 September,2026 07:09 PM IST | Latur | mid-day online correspondent
The animal husbandry department was also asked to guide livestock owners on fodder availability and proper management. Representational Pic/File
Maharashtra Guardian Minister Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale has directed officials to take stringent action against the illegal lifting of water from irrigation projects in Latur district amid deficient rainfall and concerns over a possible water shortage, reported the PTI.
Officials said the available water has been reserved primarily for drinking purposes. Bhosale directed the administration to give the highest priority to drinking water and remain prepared for the coming months.
Bhosale issued the directions during a meeting at the Latur district collectorate on Thursday to review water availability and the crop situation, the news agency reported.
He called for special teams to be formed to prevent illegal withdrawal of water from irrigation projects and directed officials to take sustained action against violators.
The Latur civic body, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), police and revenue departments have been asked to launch a joint drive against illegal water lifting from the Manjara dam and water theft from pipelines supplying Latur city, according to the PTI.
Bhosale said inadequate rainfall had caused considerable damage to kharif crops and reiterated the government's commitment to support farmers during the crisis.
He directed officials to carefully record crop losses during crop-cutting experiments and ensure that assessment reports accurately reflected the situation on the ground, the news agency reported.
Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil, who is from Latur, directed the agriculture and animal husbandry departments to make advance plans to ensure adequate fodder for livestock.
He said cattle and other livestock were crucial to farmers' livelihoods and authorities should ensure that a fodder shortage did not develop during the water-scarcity period, according to the PTI.
The animal husbandry department was also asked to guide livestock owners on fodder availability and proper management.
Udgir MLA Sanjay Bansode said the Udgir and Jalkot tehsils had sufficient drinking water reserves until December.
He said measures to tackle water scarcity would have to be initiated thereafter.
Ausa MLA Abhimanyu Pawar called for steps to prevent water wastage, including immediate repairs to damaged pipelines and action against unnecessary consumption. He also stressed the need to create public awareness about the judicious use of water.
MLC Vikram Kale urged the Latur civic body to take immediate steps to prevent water theft from pipelines and called for proper planning to ensure adequate fodder for livestock.
The Latur review comes amid wider concerns over deficient rainfall across Maharashtra.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said recently that a drought-like situation had developed in 18 districts because of inadequate rainfall. He said district-wise reports on the situation were being prepared for further review.
The rainfall deficit has also raised concerns over crop conditions and water availability in parts of the state, particularly in regions that have received inadequate rainfall.
(with PTI inputs)
