Nanded restricts officials’ leave amid drought-like conditions in Maharashtra

Authorities in Maharashtrarsquos Nanded district have imposed restrictions on leave for officials from key field departments amid an extended dry spell that has created droughtlike conditions in several parts of the stateDistrict Collector Rahul Kardile has directed officials to give the highest priority to droughtrelated work including crop assessment farm loan restructuring and assistance to farmers according to a circular issued on ThursdayOfficials asked to remain at headquartersOfficials from the revenue agriculture rural development urban development MSEDCL animal husbandry water resources water conservation cooperation and land records departments have been instructed to prioritise drought mitigation measuresThey have also been directed not to leave their headquarters without prior permissionThe administration said the restrictions were aimed at ensuring the smooth implementation of relief measures as concerns grow over water availability fodder shortages and crop lossesOfficials will not be allowed to proceed on leave without prior approval from the district collector until the drought situation improves Exceptions will be made only in cases involving extremely urgent leave according to the administrationThe district authorities have warned of stringent action against officials at the district and tehsil levels who leave without permission extend their leave on their own or remain absent from their headquartersMaharashtra steps up drought preparednessThe restrictions come as several parts of Maharashtra face the possibility of crop losses following the prolonged dry spellThe Maharashtra government on Thursday said it would issue an order on September 25 to provide immediate relief to farmers It has also constituted a Cabinet subcommittee to monitor the droughtlike situation and recommend immediate relief measuresThe committee is headed by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar BawankuleFadnavis calls situation lsquoextremely seriousrsquoChief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaking to reporters at Amravati airport after visiting droughtaffected areas of Washim district in eastern Maharashtra described the situation as extremely seriousFadnavis said the government would provide assistance under Trigger 1 of the statersquos drought relief code without waiting for assistance from the CentreThe governmentrsquos move comes amid growing concerns over drinking water availability livestock fodder and agricultural losses in droughtaffected areasThe Nanded administration has accordingly instructed officials from departments involved in agriculture water management rural development and other reliefrelated work to remain available at their headquarters and focus on mitigation measures until the situation improvesWith inputs from PTI