State minister calls drought as Maharashtra`s `worst`

Maharashtra Water Supplies and Sanitation Minister Laxmanrao Dhoble added that planning would have to be done to provide jobs, drinking water supply and fodder till the end of June 2013.

Mumbai: Terming the drought in the state as "worst", Maharashtra Water Supplies and Sanitation Minister Laxmanrao Dhoble on Monday said the average rainfall recorded in the state till July-end is a meagre 24 percent.

"The state is facing worst drought in the state. It is a cause of concern and the state government will seek appropriate fund from the Centre to tackle the situation," Dhoble told reporters.

He said the average rainfall compared to last year is less than 50 percent.

"In Konkan, the average recorded rainfall is 62 percent. In Amravati and Nagpur region it is eight to 29 percent, in Marathawada it is eight percent and in Western Maharashtra it is only 27 percent," he said.

He said that the water stock would only suffice for drinking. "The water stock is enough only for drinking. However, at some places, even that won`t be sufficient and it will be a problem," he added.

Dhoble added that planning would have to be done to provide jobs, drinking water supply and fodder till the end of June 2013.

He however, refused to comment when asked to compare it with the drought of 1972.

PTI

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.