During his field visit to rain-hit areas in Solapur and Latur on Wednesday, assured all affected farmers that they will be provided with assistance.
“The government has instructed that the punchnama process be started. It needs records to show that water entered houses and fields. Hence, even drone and mobile phone images will be accepted as evidence to claim compensation,” Fadnavis added.
According to initial reports, hundreds of houses and crops on more than 33,000 hectares of land had been damaged due to excessive rainfall in the Marathwada region and areas of the nearby Solapur district. The CM said, “To ensure that everyone affected is provided with financial assistance, the government will even make changes in the eligibility norms.” During his interaction with locals, the CM informed people that his government will firmly stand with the farming community in this time of crisis.
On Tuesday, the Maharashtra government announced that 31.64 lakh farmers were affected by heavy rains. and Eknath Shinde were also seen on the ground visiting affected areas. Pawar visited Solapur, and Shinde was at Dharashiv (in the Marathwada region). Pawar instructed officials to ensure that people who are shifted to safe locations receive proper meals. During his visits, many affected people complained about surveys not being initiated, to which Pawar said, “No farmland should be left out during the inspection of damage.” Financial aid mentioned by the Maharashtra government in its state cabinet meeting will be deposited in farmers’ bank accounts within the next eight to 10 days.
Shinde’s experience
While Pawar and Fadnavis had smooth field visits, Shinde had a different experience. According to reports, locals restrained vehicles carrying assistance material for affected people. The locals, especially those affected, were upset with banners and pictures of the Shinde camp leader, along with Dharashiv’s Guardian Minister Pratap Sarnaik, on the vehicles.
Reacting to the development, Shinde said, “I request people to see the intention [providing relief to the needy] and ignore the photos.” Meanwhile, Shashikant Shinde, who is now head of the Maharashtra unit of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, has warned the government to complete the relief and financial assistance distribution within a month. “If the government fails to provide help before Diwali, we will hold a massive protest rally in Beed [in Marathwada],” he said. State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane then stated that all affected farmers would receive assistance before Diwali.
Sena (UBT) chief’s Dharashiv visit
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader will be visiting Dharashiv and other areas of the Marathwada region on Thursday to take stock of the on-ground situation in flood-affected areas. On Tuesday, Thackeray demanded that the Centre announce an assistance package of Rs 10,000 crore for Marathwada.