Residents of three Gondia talukas demand removal from drought-hit list
Villagers in Arjuni Moregaon, Sadak Arjuni and Goregaon claim drought classification restricts irrigation and increases human-wildlife conflict.
Residents of Arjuni Moregaon, Sadak Arjuni and Goregaon in Maharashtra's Gondia district have requested that their areas be removed from the state's drought-hit list, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Farmers, local organisations and villagers have sent letters to the district collector seeking this change. They argue that the current classification of the 304 drought-hit talukas has led to water cuts that impact rabi cultivation.
Lalit Balbodhe, president of the Annadata Dhan Utpadak Sanghtana, said that restrictions on dam water releases have left canals dry, preventing the growth of paddy. He stated that farmers are willing to give up the government's ₹5,000 cash assistance if irrigation supplies are restored.
The group also expressed concern that drying vegetation and limited water in forests could drive wild animals into human settlements. Balbodhe noted that wild animals have already begun entering villages.
Gangadhar Parshuramkar of the Kisan Sanghtana said the three talukas received enough rainfall and saw dams overflow during the monsoon. He claimed the classification has negatively impacted the farming of wheat, chana and paddy.
Resident deputy collector Bhayyasaheb Behere said the administration has received the memorandums and will take an appropriate call.