Mumbai: With a drought threat looming, Maharashtra plans to dig a whopping 100,000 wells and create 50,000 farm ponds from August 15, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in Mumbai on Thursday.
The uncertainty of rains has reduced the ground water table which has adversely hit farming, prompting the state government to launch a major statewide water conservation programme.
"This will have multiple benefits especially in the 14 suicide-prone districts of the state. While existing well digging works will be completed on priority, another new 100,000 new wells will be dug and 50,000 farm ponds will be created for irrigation," Mr Fadnavis said.
Last year, the state was lashed by unseasonal rains and hailstorms which damaged crops, while this year, there has been inadequate rainfall, which has destroyed fresh sowing and led to shortage of fodder for farm animals.
Besides water supply measures, the state will launch the food security scheme in various parts of the state, restructure farm loans and strengthen health security under the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojana.
The uncertainty of rains has reduced the ground water table which has adversely hit farming, prompting the state government to launch a major statewide water conservation programme.
"This will have multiple benefits especially in the 14 suicide-prone districts of the state. While existing well digging works will be completed on priority, another new 100,000 new wells will be dug and 50,000 farm ponds will be created for irrigation," Mr Fadnavis said.
Last year, the state was lashed by unseasonal rains and hailstorms which damaged crops, while this year, there has been inadequate rainfall, which has destroyed fresh sowing and led to shortage of fodder for farm animals.
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Besides water supply measures, the state will launch the food security scheme in various parts of the state, restructure farm loans and strengthen health security under the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojana.
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