Vol. 2 | Issue no. 1 | May 2012 | `50 | pages 52 Maharashtra ahead

Overcoming Scarcity Ten Decisions to give Succor to Scarcity Affected Villages 1. Concession in land revenue 2. Conversion of co-operative loans 3. 33 per cent concession in electricity bills 4. Relaxation in parameters of MGNREGA 5. examination fees waived off 6. Recovery of agricultural loans stopped 7. Drinking water is being supplied on war-footing through tankers and bullock carts 8. Water in all irrigation projects is reserved for drinking purpose on priority 9. Fodder depots are opened 10. Electricity connection of affected farmers will not be disconnected due to pending bills and if disconnected will be reconnected immediately Overcoming Scarcity

While presenting this issue of ‘Maharashtra Ahead’ I am filled with mixed emotions. In the milieu of the Maharashtra Day, 52 years flashback showcases the voyage of five glorious decades on one hand, while on the other hand the severe scarcity situation that has gripped some parts of the State has grieved the mind. The issue details information about efforts of the State Government to mitigate the scarcity situation. These measures should make people from the scarcity hit areas feel secured. We take this opportunity to present before you the praiseworthy experiments of some people in the field of water conservation. These success stories are the testimonies of Maharashtra’s strength that has made it the guiding spirit for others. Immediate necessary measures taken by the Government has provided relief to the people facing the ordeal of the scarcity. The Employment Guarantee Scheme has provided livelihood to lakhs of people. More works are on the shelves. The Government has ensured that there will be no paucity of funds to tackle the situation. H.E. Governor K. Sankaranarayanan, Hon. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and Hon. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar are personally giving attention to situation. Every member in the ministry and the whole Government machinery is dedicatedly putting efforts to combat situation. It is time for citizens to be united and support the Government to overcome the situation. I am sure, in the time of crisis the people of Maharashtra will show extra courage and become the role model for the country. The State of Maharashtra came into existence on 1st May, 1960. A special article ‘Raj Bhavan File unravels the Events of the Historic Day’, will make you relive those golden moments taking you down the memory lane. This enlightening article is taken from the archives of the Raj Bhavan, where all historic documents are preserved. It is the invaluable heritage of the State. The issue also carries articles by Dr. Madhavrao Chitale, an authority on Water Management, Director, GSDA K.M. Nagargoje and senior, Geologist Shashank Deshpande, Prakash Bal Joshi, Abhay Mokashi, Dilip Chaware and others showing the ways and means to augment the water resources to fight scarcity. Taking on all odds and emerging with triumph is the true spirit of Maharashtra. The symbolic Peepal leaf on the cover gives the message of peace and enlightment to overcome any adverse situation. I am sure, our readers will welcome this issue like the past ones.

Pramod T. Nalawade Editor-in-Chief, ‘Maharashtra Ahead’, DGIPR

May 2012 3 Contents Maharashtra ahead 5 Prioritizing People’s Welfare VOL.2 ISSUE NO.1 May 2012 `50 - The Chief Minister 8 Blueprint of Development - The Deputy Chief Minister Editor-in-Chief Pramod T. Nalawade 10 Sustainable Solution - Dr. Patangrao Kadam Managing Editor Pralhad Jadhav 12 The Precious Drop

Team Maharashtra Ahead - Prof. Laxmanrao Dhobale Suresh Wandile 13 The Magic of EGS Kirti Pande - Dr. Nitin Raut Kriti Lalla 14 The Fruitful Integrated Efforts Sales and Circulation 5 Digamber Palve - Prakash Solanke Vilas Bodke 15 Mitigation Measures Produced by - Praveen Pardeshi Navbharat Press Ltd. 18 Self-sufficient Villages, a Director Operations: D.B. Sharma Fundamental Development Project Management Team - V. Giriraj G.M. Operations: A. Shrinivas A.G.M.: Dalvinder Singh 20 Strategies of Water Manager: Ashok Shirke Management for Drought Editorial Coordinator: Sudhir Brahme Prone Areas Prepress - Dr. Madhavrao Chitale A.G.M. Prepress: Sachin Phulpagar 25 Rethink Watershed Art Development Art Director: Mahesh Jadhav 15 Photos Correction:Siddhesh Sawant - Vijay Anna Borade

Maharashtra Ahead is printed on behalf of the 26 Kadvanchi Defeats Scarcity Directorate General of Information and Public - Yashwant Bhandare Relations, Government of Maharashtra, at 28 Future Favours the Brave Navbharat Press Ltd - Mohan Atalkar Navbharat Bhavan, Plot no. 13, Sector 8, 29 From Peoples’ Participation to Sanpada (East), Water Conservation Navi Mumbai 400 706. - Kiran Wagh Published by Pramod T. Nalawade at Mantralaya, 30 A Village With No Water Mumbai-400032  Scarcity Letters should be addressed to - Rajendra Sarag Directorate General of Information and Public 20 Relations, New Administrative Building, 17th Floor, 31 Watering the Long-term Opposite Mantralaya, Mumbai-400032. Solutions Email: [email protected] Please visit the website - Prakash Bal Joshi http://dgipr.maharashtra.gov.in 34 Need to Augment Irrigation Coverage - Dilip Chaware 38 The Ground Realities - K. M. Nagargoje 41 Natural Irony - Abhay Mokashi Directorate General of Information and Public Relations 44 A Raj Bhavan File Unravels A Government of Maharashtra Production Events of the Historic Day 44 - Umesh Kashikar

Pls note: The views expressed by the writers are their own Maharashtra Ahead Prioritizing People's Welfare We are committed to safeguard every citizen’s right to live a peaceful, secured, happy and contented life Maharashtra is a leading progressive State in the country. We all need to take collective efforts to keep the State on the forefront. I am determined to give priority to the welfare of the comman man and inclusive development. Society is greater than an individual, is the principle behind this, says the Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.

n this august day when we Speedy Urbanisation doing so. Facing natural calamities such celebrate the foundation day Urbanization is fast growing in as scarcity like situation is a greater Oof the State it is inevitable to Maharashtra than any other State problem than solving the issues that remember the Architect of Modern resulting growing pressure on are the outcome of the development. Maharashtra late Yashwantraoji infrastructure in the city. Construction Of course we have succeeded in solving Chavan. This year we are also of houses have increased. Agriculture these issues by taking corrective meas- celebrating his birth centenary. It is land is shrinking. There is ever ures to overcome the situation. needless to elaborate today on the increasing demand for drinking water, contributions and achievements water for agriculture usage as well as Tackling the Scarcity of the State. But it is our duty to for the industrial purpose. Demand We have geared up from wider follow the footprints of Yashwantraoji for electricity is also on rise. Investors perspective to fight with the scarcity and never forget the principles of this from other States and from abroad situation. We have decided not to great visionary. Hence the principle, are getting attracted towards recover outstanding loans by force or ‘society is greater than an individual’, Maharashtra. cut agriculture power connections. has been set as our motto. In formulating We should not consider such issues The daily wages of the employment the policies we give importance to the as the problems as these things are guarantee scheme have been raised to works of the society as a whole than any inevitable on the path of growth. Proper Rs. 145 from 1st April. Collectors have individual. planning is the only solution and we are been asked to purchase new tankers in order to supply water to all scarcity-hit villages. I visited scarcity-hit villages of Sangli and Satara districts to get appraised of the situation. A State level meeting was organized in Pune to take stock of the situation. The Governor has looked the issue very sensitively and we are tackling the problem under his able guidance. Earlier, when grains, cotton and Soyabeen-growing farmers from Vidarbha were hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorm we had announced the largest-ever relief package of Rs. 1282 crore in the Winter Session in Nagpur and the financial aid is being provided to them in phases. We have also announced Rs 1-lakh special interest-free small-term loan to the

May 2012 5 Maharashtra Ahead

farmers who have already paid farm loans within the stipulated time. Delegation Meets Prime Minister The United Nations has declared The Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan alongwith a 2012 as the Year for Cooperation and delegation met Prime Minister the Central Government has undertaken Dr. Manmohan Singh and some initiatives; the State Government submitted a memorandum is implementing the same. apprising him of the severe scarcity situation in Maharashtra. Metropolitan Growth The Maharashtra Mumbai the economic capital of the Government sought a country has spread its tentacles taking financial package of Rs. into gamut the entire metropolitan 2,281.37 crore and five lakh region. We are implementing several metric tonne foodgrain at BPL rates from the Centre to projects of planned infrastructure tackle scarcity situation in 15 development for the Metropolis districts of the State. making it the global economic centre. The State has sought In the last one-and-a-half year’s period Rs. 782.11 crore for small farmers who have lost their kharif and rabbi crops, Rs. 73.60 the Government has taken several crore for grapes, mangoes, orange, pomegranates growers, Rs. 129.39 crore for water supply schemes, Rs. 300 crore for construction of check dams, Rs. 700 crore for mid decisions to make life of Mumbaikar term schemes to cope with scarcity. comfortable. Decisions taken by the With the severe scarcity, about 15 districts are facing acute water shortage. Apart Housing and Urban Development from Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, North Maharashtra and some talukas of Department will prove to be milestones. Vidarbha are also facing acute water shortage, the State Government was fully geared Some of the projects that would give up to mitigate the hardships of the people and ensure that there is adequate water for people and fodder for the cattle. the face-lift to the city are Metro Rail, The Chief Minister said the State Government has already announced Rs. 80 for Mono Rail, Navi Mumbai International large animals and Rs. 40 for rearing small animals in cattle camps and Rs. 8,000 per Airport, Mumbai Urban Transport hectare, upto two hectares, for small and medium farmers growing grapes, orange and Project, Cluster Development Scheme pomegranates while Rs. 8,000 per hectare for big farmers. and Mumbai Trans-harbour Link have been speeded up. The first Mono Rail of 20 per cent flats of 27.88 sq mt to 753.5 sq ft. In Redevelopment proposals the country will run between Chembur 45 sq mt area for people from low of 250 buildings in 39,585 sq mt. area in and Wadala and Wadala to Jacob income group and economically weaker Bhendi Bazar area have been approved. Circle. The test run of the mono rail was section. We also have taken the revolutionary recently conducted successfully. In all The State Government has, taken the decision to give additional FSI of 24 sub projects with an expenditure of decision to protect the slum dwellers 0.33 per cent for Mumbai Suburbs and Rs.1488 crore, under Mumbai Urban residing in the slums constructed after extended suburbs of Greater Mumbai. Infrastructure Project have been taken 1995. This will help lakhs of slum- up which includes 11 roads, 7 flyovers, dwellers who have been staying in slums MIHAN gets Momentum 3 creek bridges and 3 railway flyovers. before 1995, to have their own houses. It The Multi-modal International Cargo will also remove hurdles in the work of Hub and Airport at Nagpur, MIHAN Affordable Housing Dharavi rehabilitation as well as airport has the potential to give a face-lift to Every citizen has a dream to have a and other infrastructure projects. In Maharashtra as well as the country house in Mumbai. Keeping this in the ambitious Dharavi Rehabilitation and it has gained the much needed mind we have decided to amend the Project around 60,000 families will be momentum. The project, an ideal Development Control Regulations for rehabilitated on their original land on business hub, located in the geometrical Mumbai. According to the norms the the lines of Slum Rehabilitation. The centre of India is easily accessible to space utilized for balcony, terrace, largest slums of the Asia will get access all the metro cities of India. Among mezzanine floor and stilt will be roads, gardens and other facilities. the renowned corporate giants have calculated in the total FSI consumed expressed their interests to start their thus protecting the consumers from Regulations Amended business here are: Boeing, Infosys, TCS, being cheated by the builders. The We have amended the Development HCL, Mahindra and Satyam. developers preparing a lay out of more Control Regulations which will benefit The Government has taken the than 2000 sq mt have to set aside at rehabilitation and reconstruction of decision to give the 12.5 per cent of least20 per cent of land in 30 to 50 sq old cessed buildings in Mumbai. Now the developed land or the ex-gratia mt area for affordable housing while the old residents of these old cessed amount to the project affected persons. developing housing complex projects. It buildings will get their own houses Provision of Rs. 189 crore has been made is mandatory for developers to reserve of minimum 300 sq ft and maximum for the remuneration in cash. Work

6 May 2012 of acquiring land of Jaitala, Bhamti, bodies will be operational on-line. the State contributes 25 per cent. New Dahegaon, Shivangaon, Telhara villages­ These projects have awakened rural Industrial Policy of the State will soon for the second runway is to be comp­ people, in turn they have overwhelmingly be declared. leted. Employment opportunities for responded to the cleanliness campaigns. During July 2010 and June 2011. lakhs of youth will be generated through Maharashtra is leading the country 4.12 lakh hectare additional area has MIHAN. in implementing projects like Nirmal come under irrigation. The Central Gram Abhiyan, Sujal va Nirmal Government has approved 258 Protecting Forests Abhiyan and Cleanliness Campaign. irrigation projects worth Rs. 135 crore. In order to protect and conserve forests, These programmes have also helped in the State Government has taken many improving health of rural people. Health for All important steps. Melghat, Tadoba and Maharashtra has emphasized on Maharashtra has started implementing Pench has large number of tigers. For brin­g­ing Adivasis in the national main­ the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya protecting tigers and to give impetus to stream. In view of that the Government Yojana in eight districts in the first tourism, Nagpur has been declared as has taken important measures such as: phase. The scheme provides health the Tiger Capital. Sahyadri Tiger Project increasing the maintenance allowance facilities to the ration card holders is the country’s 37th and Maharashtra’s for Adivasi hostelites, construction work who have annual income less than 4th Tiger Project have been approved. of 51 hostels is in full swing building Rs. One lakh. The scheme is presently For strengthening tiger projects Tiger more Ashram Schools and scholarship undertaken in Mumbai and Mumbai Foundations have been set up at for Scheduled Tribes students up to Suburbs, Raigad, Solapur, Dhule, Melghat, Pench and Tadoba. 10th standard. About 12 lakh students Nanded, Amravati and Gadchiroli. It With a view to protect the forests are getting the scholarship under the will be implemented throughout the the Government has taken a landmark Suvarna Mahotsavi Shishyavrutti State in phased manner. decision of appointing Adivasis on the Yojana. posts of Forest Guards. In all 224 new To ensure more employment Road Development posts of Forests Officers are created. opportunities in rural areas under Road are the arteries of any State or The aborigines in the area have been the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural the country as far as the development provided with the hybrid cows, biogas, Employment Guarantee Scheme the is concerned. It is said that the State is cooking gas and LPG so that trees are Government has established a separate developed because it has good roads. protected for the balanced development Commissionerate for EGS at Nagpur. In view of this the State Government of forest regions. For strengthening the Works of tree plantation, concretization has undertaken an important project of Gram Sabhas and Forest Management of roads, construction of public toilets widening of national and State highways Committees the State Government has and play grounds have been included in in four lanes. Till the date road works of taken the decision to grant the benefits the EGS. 2,145 km length has been completed on of the forest resources. The decreasing the private-public participation basis. rainfall in the State has necessited Industrial Development The mega project of Mumbai-Delhi increasing the green cover. Therefore, Maharashtra is still the most-preferred Industrial Corridor paving the way the Government has resolved to plant destination for global investors One for fast transportation of goods has 100 crore saplings in the State. Tree third of country’s foreign direct inves- taken momentum. In next three years plantations will be undertaken in tment has come in Maharashtra. In investment worth Rs. 20,000 million is non-forest regions too. Assessment of the current year the State Government expected in the State under the project. tree-plantation programme is taken in has approved development projects The freight corridor will connect every district on 12th and 25th day of worth Rs. 1,12000 crore. Under the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) every month. Mega Project policy projects worth which will create global competitive Rs. 2,63000 crore have been approved atmosphere. The IT Revolution till the date. Of these 63 per cent projects Development is a continuous The State has launched a revolutionary will start in backward regions of the process. In the Democratic society project called SANGRAM – Sangankiya State. This will create employment for 3 people’s welfare is the top priority of the Gramin Maharashtra that aims at lakh people. Government. Development should not computerizing Government adminis­ India Economic Summit was be of any particular region or individual, tration in rural areas and making recently held in Mumbai. Nearly 800 it has to be integrated and inclusive. governance of the Panchayat Raj System entrepreneurs from 40 countries Every citizen has the right to live a transparent. The project has created participated in it. The State is taking peaceful, secured, happy and contented employment for 20,000 youth in rural deliberate efforts to facilitate industrial life. We are concentrating our efforts on areas so far. This will help people to development, to promote exports and the sole aim with the confidence that get all services under one roof. In the generate employment. I am happy to the success is at our doorstep.  near future all the local self government metion that in the national exports As told to Satish Lalit

May 2012 7 Maharashtra Ahead Blueprint of Development The Government has taken necessary measures to tackle the scarcity situation on war-footing. Maharashtra is synonym for development. It has been on the forefront in social, educational, economic and other fields. The other States look at it as the role- model for development. The Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar elaborates on the future plans of speedy development of Maharashtra to make it the global State.

17,207 projects worth over Rs. 8,74,053 made for the irrigation projects of crore. Maharashtra has received 22.4 Vidarbha in the Central Budget owing per cent of the total national foreign to the demand by Union Minister for direct investment. Our contribution Agriculture Sharad Pawar will give in the national exports is 27 per cent. impetus to pending projects. Seeds of We have set some benchmarks in the Soyabeen, Tur etc worth over Rs. 20.56 development. lakh have been distributed to farmers in Amaravati, Yavatmal, Washim, Human Development Buldhana, Akola and Wardha under Mission the Vidarbha Development project Under the Maharashtra Human for change of crops. In all 59,28,760 Development Mission Rs. 235 crore farmers have been benefitted under the have been spent in 25 talukas of 12 most Programme. backward districts between 2006 and 2010. The mission aims at enhancing Priority to Agriculture the standard of living of the backward Agriculture is the backbone of regions. With the mission resulting Maharashtra as 45.20 per cent in the rise in the human development population is living in rural areas. index the State has now decided to Modernization of agriculture is implement it in 172 most backward important in view of the increasing aharashtra is growing strong. talukas. Each taluka will get at least population. Water management According to the Economic Rs. 3.5 crore. and use of organic fertilizers is the MSurvey Report published The mission facilitates tuition classes need of the hour for taking more yield recently we are on the top in per capita for students failed in Standards X and per acre. income, contribution to national GDP XII, study centre in secondary schools, Our efforts are to bring more and growth rate. We have recorded providing textbooks to students, agricultural land under cultivation growth in the industry by 9.1 per providing transportation facilities to through all-season irrigation. cent and in the service sector by 10.1 girls in rural areas upto XII standard Geological diversity has brought only 33 per cent. Maharashtra is at the top in and establishing Science Centres. It per cent land under irrigation based on the Industrial sector. Maharashtra’s also helps undertake education, seasonal rains. Maharashtra is leading Industrial policy and the Mega Project health, child welfare projects as well as the country by creating capacity for Policy have attracted corporate initiatives generating income sources. 37.35 tmc water by constructing dams giants like Mercedes, Mahindra, and bunds. The State has largest water General Motors, Bharat Forge, Bajaj, Regional Balance storage capacity. It is 15 per cent of the Volkswagen Hyundai, Boeing, General The regional economic backlog national capacity. Electricals, Bridgestone, Photon, calculated by Dr. V. M. Dandekar Philips, Schindler etc. to invest in the committee has been cleared, however Need to Enhance Education State. physical infrastructure backlog is still Standard With a steady infrastructure there. On the recommendations of The literacy rate in Maharashtra has development 77 mega projects have the Governor new committee to find increased. Our next step is to make come in the State since last April with a solution for the balanced regional people more learned. The Government investment potential worth Rs. 82,386 development has been appointed under is committed to enhance the education crores. These projects will create 54,453 the chairmanship of Dr. Vijay Kelkar. standard in urban as well as rural jobs. We have received proposals for Provision of Rs. 300 crore has been areas. The latest technology will

8 May 2012 be introduced in all schools to earn State Government recruitments 33 For Better Future new identity for Maharashtra as per cent reservation has been given to Maharashtra has lived up to its the intelligent State. Education in women. The effective involvement of name, Maha i.e. great leading in Maharashtra will be on par with the women in the decision making process social, economic, cultural, industrial, global level. The new Education Policy will make administration more sensitive educational, sports and other fields in the State has opened the gates for and transparent. ever since it was established. Therefore foreign universities. Strengthening of women self it is known as the progressive State. help groups has made housewives The Government is committed Increasing Population economically independent and stable. to keep its reputation intact. We are Rising population is putting a barricade The self help group movement has planning to develop physical and in the process of development. It is transformed the rural economy. social infrastructure facilities such creating unemployment and increasing Empowerment of women is need of the as electricity, water, roads, poverty. We have to enlighten the people hour. transportation, education, health etc on this issue. Alongwith Government to bring qualitative changes in the we expect NGOs also should take up the Tackling the Scarcity common man's life. issue. Maharashtra is facing scarcity like Maharashtra has a glorious past. situation in some districts. The Its present too is bright. We want to EMPOWERING WOMEN Government has taken necessary make the future brighter. Government’s The State Government has adopted measures to tackle the situation on role in the developing process is liberal policies for women. Maharashtra war-footing. All collectors have been instrumental, if people take the has taken a revolutionary decision by given orders to provide water through collective efforts everybody’s dream will reserving 50 per cent seats for women water tankers. They are told to review come true.  in local self government bodies. In the the situation every day. As told to Vishal Dhage

May 2012 9 Maharashtra Ahead Sustainable Solution Government’s Relief measures, rehabilitation and regular review are yielding good results. Some parts of the State are facing scarcity. The Government is aware of the situation and it has put the entire revenue machinery is working on the war- footing to fight the situation. No stone will be left unturned in providing relief to the people, assures Minister for Rehabilitation and Relief Works Dr. Patangrao Kadam.

his year 6201 Kharif villages cent subsidised rate to landless farm and 1552 Rabbi villages are labourers and farmers and labouerers Tfacing scarcity in Maharashtra. working for more than 15 days The Government has taken some under National Rural Employment important decisions to help people Guarantee Scheme till 30th June in the ordeal. Some immediate relief 2012. Rules to start fodder depot measures are: Examination fees of has been kept flexible whereby demand students from scarcity-hit villages has for the depot is sympathetically been waived off, concession given in considered. Where there is cattle land revenue to farmers, loans taken camp there will not be fodder depot. by farmers from cooperatives being Powers have been given to collectors converted, 33 per cent concession disconnected it will be reconnected. to avail fodder under Fodder Develop­ in electricity bills given to farmers, ment Scheme and Forest Department parameters of EGS works altered, SAVING THE CATTLE respectively. reco­very of farmers’ agricultural The fodders depots have been opened loans stopped, drinking water is being at the panchayat Samiti level where Coping With Scarcity supplied on war-footing through the final paisewari for the crop was Right from its inception the State tankers and by bullock-carts in remote declared less than 50 paise. Collectors Government has undertaken several rural area, water in all the irrigation have been empowered in this regard. irrigation projects to bring more and projects is reserved for drinking For the farmers with not more than 10 more agriculture land under irrigation purpose on priority, fodder depots are cattle who sell milk and those whose and to provide drinking water to opened for cattle in scarcity-hit villages, wells have gone dried are provided scarcity-prone areas. However, the electricity connection will not be cut for fodder at 75 per cent rate. Fodder problem has still remained unsolved. the want of pending bills and if power is has been made available at 90 per The landmark experiment of lake tapping in the Koyana Dam has been successfully carried out recently. It is a revolutionary leap towards generating more electricity and providing more drinking water. An action plan is being out-lined. Water supply through tanker or bullock cart, de-silting of wells, acquiring private wells have been brought under the purview of Collectors. He can take the decision regarding this in the area where less than 20 liter water is supplied per person per day and if there is no water source in the periphery of 1.5 km. Concerned departments have been empowered to procure tankers replacing the out-dated damaged tankers. District Collector can sanction water pipeline project costing up to less than Rs.15 lakh and for the projects costing

10 May 2012 less than Rs. 30 lakh will be sanctioned financial aid will be given for per hectare upto 2 hectares. by Divisional Commissioner. A tube- " The State has drawn an well is sanctioned for the population of 200. New tube-well can be dug on this integrated plan to fight the Present Status guideline considering the status of the scarcity situation. The Chief At present water is being supplied existing tube-well. through 1172 tankers in 977 villages and Minister Prithviraj Chavan 4703 hamlets in 15 scarcity hit districts. Relief Measures has visited the scarcity Till the date 29721 metric tonne On the humanitarian ground agricultural affected areas. I have been fodder has been made available power connection will not be suspended through 111 fodder depots. Under for the want of the pending bills. concentrating on measures the EGS 46,986 works are on and Similarly if the bills are outstanding to combat the scarcity. The employment for 5,14,025 people has the connection will not be cut in whole revenue machinary been created. Weekly assessment of the villages with less than 50 paise the situation is done by Divisional paisewari in Rabbi or Kharif seasons. has been geared up. Water Commissioners and Collectors. Examination fee of students from is an important aspect for Authority to sanction drinking scarcity-hit villages is waived off. water scheme up to Rs. 25 lakh areas permanently reeling This is applicable for only students of is given to Collector and schemes costing aided schools. under scarcity. The speedy not more than Rs. one Crore has been plan work in this direction is given to Divisional Commissioners. The Financial Aid Principal Secretary, Relief and For cotton growing farmers according going on. I assure there will Rehabilitation has been directed to the land records Rs. 4000 financial be no dearth in providing to take immediate action after aid will be give per hectare up to 2 financial assistance by the video conferencing once a week with hectare. For Soyabeen growers and Divisional Commissioners and District other food grain growers if the yield Government." Collectors. is reduced over 25 per cent Rs.2000 - As told to Yuvraj Patil

May 2012 11 Maharashtra Ahead The Precious Drop Every drop that percolates, results in increasing the underground water level. The Government has planned to provide one spare tanker with every 10 tankers to give pure and clean water. The Government has resolved to save and protect the cattle stock by giving enough assistance.Now tanker water is poured in syn- thetic tank for the first time instead of pouring it in wells to avoid contamination says Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation Prof. Laxmanrao Dhobale.

n case of scarcity, sensible act relief to outstanding electricity bills of implies to scrupulous use of water the rural water supply schemes. Under Ikeeping in mind that the quantity the scheme if local self government body is limited. More importantly, preserving pays 50 per cent of the outstanding bill water for the eternal use which requires six months grace time is given to it to pay saving of every drop of water in the most the rest amount. Under the Maharashtra natural way so that the rich heritage Suvarna Jayanti Gramin Dalit Vasti that we have received from God by our Pani Puravatha ani Swachhata Yojana forefathers, be passed on to the next (Golden Jubilee Rural Dalit Habitat generation. Every drop that percolates, Water Supply and Cleanliness Scheme) Jal Swarajya Project in 3007 Gram results in increasing the underground every Scheduled Caste and Nav- Panchayats of 26 districts on the basis water level. Bauddha family is given the aid of Rs. of peoples’ participation. Of these 2966 Rain harvesting is very much useful 4000 for water pipeline and Rs. 11,000 Gram Panchayat water supply has in refilling the ground-water level. As for constructing toilet block. Under the already been started in the first phase. per the conventional measures water scheme Rs. 48.45 crore have been spent The Central Government has given tanks are created in huge rocks to save in 2011-12. approval in principle to the second the rainwater. The Ground-water Survey Laboratories to assess drinking phase of jal Swarajya. and Development System is working as water quality have been established The drought is no novice for the coordinating agency for rainwater in 30 districts. Similarly 6 regional Maharashtra, but in the history of harvesting. laboratories have been established for scarcity it is planned to provide one spare Till January 2012 funds worth Rs. ground water survey and development. tanker with every 10 tankers to give pure 284.23 crore have been made available Funds have also been made available for and clean water. The Government has for the Shivkaleen Pani Sathwan Yojana strengthening of 351 rural hospitals. resolved to save and protect the cattle and the scheme has been implemented Maharashtra is the first State in the stock by giving enough assistance. in 8202 villages and hamlets. Under the country to launch the programme for Now tanker water is poured in schemes 18,190 measures have been chemical testing of all public drinking synthetic tank for the first time undertaken and 2767 measures are in water sources. It will be launched in instead of pouring it in wells to avoid progress. These measures helped to the 11 districts of Pune, Sangli, Nanded, contamination. Sugar factories have stop water supply through tanker to Buldhana, Aurangabad, Nashik, been permitted to use the Sugar Deve- 1051 villages and in 1837 villages the Amaravati, Nagpur, Thane, Raigad and lopment Fund for purchasing the tanks. period of supplying water through Akola. In the second phase it will be In last 30 years the State has seen two tankers has been reduced. Under the implemented in the rest 22 districts. severe droughts. In those scarcity cond- flagship scheme 16 programmes have The Government has launched a itions of drinking water for cattle was been included. A plan was drawn for duel purpose water supply scheme, not considered, which is done this time. 16,570 villages and hamlets under 2011- under which water is lifted through The department has successfully imp- 12 and 1012-13. The Centre has allocated submersible pumps from the tube-wells lemented the Jal Swarajya Scheme in Rs. 535.80 crore while the State with the capacity of at least 2000 liters 3000 villages making them tanker-free. Government has provided Rs. 511.40 per hour and the hand pumps with Rivers must be protected by taking crore. Of this Rs. 745.66 crore have been availability of water throughout the year stern action against the culprits who spent till March 2012 for 6364 villages and it is stored in tanks to be supplied push effluents in to the rivers. Need and hamlets under National Rural later. A similar scheme has also been is to curb ill-habits as well as to have Drinking Water Programme. launched based on the solar energy. understanding about water and The State Government has started The State Government is cleanliness.  the Jeevan Sanjivani Yojana to provide implementing the World Bank-aided As told to Dr. Surekha Mulay

12 May 2012 Maharashtra Ahead The Magic of EGS The Centre has adopted the MGNEGS on the lines of the one in Maharashtra making State proud The Employment Guarantee Scheme is the revolutionary feat taken by Maharashtra in the Government administration. It brought the State out of the crisis two decades ago, recounts Dr. Nitin Raut, Minister for Employment Guarantee Scheme and Water Conservation

he Central Government Centres are established at village and has initiated an ambitious taluka level. These centres aim at linking TMahatma Gandhi National the villages to talukas and districts to Rural Employment Guarantee facilitate development works. Under the Scheme (MGNREGS) on the lines scheme 73 Gram Panchayat Bhavans of the State EGS. The State adopted and 29 Panchayat Bhavans are being it in 2006 in phased manner. Since constructed. Every Gram Panchayat 2008 it has been implemented in has been allocated funds of Rs. 40 lakh all the districts. In the first year the and they have to prepare blueprint of expenditure incurred on the scheme the works to be done under the scheme. was Rs. 300 crore. In 2010-11 it was These works include road construction, Development Programme under the Rs. 351 crore the plan for the scheme water conservation, horticulture develo- Soil Conservation Scheme the State grew to Rs.1346 crore in 2011-12. p­­­ment, tree plantation etc. Under the Government has completed works on scheme Gram Sevaks and Gram Rojgar 2,5333 hectare land with an expenditure Effective Implementation Sevaks are trained. of Rs. 309 crore. Rs. 1194.80 core have The State Government re-arranged been sanctioned for the State under the the district and divisional office works Irrigation Capacity Centre’s Integrated Watershed Area under the schemes. Gram Panchayat’s In all 60,000 minor irrigation projects Development Scheme. In 66 talukas were empowered to undertake 50 per with capacity upto 100 hectare have 1901 watershed area treatment works cent works under the schemes. been completed. This has added will be undertaken in the project. The The Government undertook works irrigated area of 14 lakh hectare. Government is also implementing Dr. such as land reform scheme, digging With the financial aid from German Babasaheb Ambedkar Nursery Scheme wells, farm ponds, orchard plantation, Bank and other financial institutes 13 which helps poor women to earn etc for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled schemes have been completed. This has livelihood through developing saplings. Tribes, peopleBelow Poverty Line brought 1500 hectare additional land With the initiatives of the V.S.Page the and beneficaries of the Indira Awas under irrigation. Parameters for minor scheme was launched int he State. We Yojana. The Government has resolved irrigation projects have been amended are celebrating the birth centenary of it. to dig up 3000 farm ponds and 18000 to pave the way for more projects. In The machinery working for the scheme wells to bring 40,000 hectare land Pune and Nashik regions 169 schemes will be felicitated from State level to under irrigation. De-silting of village have been sanctioned which will irrigate taluka level on the occasion. National lakes, percolation lakes will also be 4319 hectare area. In Marathwada 124 symposium will be organised on the undertaken. schemes will bring 3492 hectare area, in occasion. The scheme was launched to Vidarbha 206 schemes will bring 5836 fight the scarcity and will prove useful Bharat nirman hectares land under irrigation. for State's and Nation's progress.  Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Service Through the Watershed Area As told to Hemant Khaire

May 2012 13 Maharashtra Ahead The Fruitful Integrated Efforts The Government has ensured that no domestic animal dies for the want of the water or fodder. The Government has taken strong measures to supply drinking water, providng employment ,declaring various concessions, supplying fodder to cattle, opening cattle camps in scarcity hit areas. Minister of State for Rehabilitation and Relief Works Prakash Solanke takes the stock. ost of the crops in regularly and giving The same rate is also given to Maharashtra have been badly them instructions in the the workers who work over Maffected by meager rainfall changed situations. 15 days in a month in the in last monsoon. In more than half National Rural Employment of the districts rainfall has been Regular Review Guarantee Scheme. below average – 20 to 40 per cent A separate scarcity control The fodder scheme is correspondingly water stock depleting. room has been opened in now entitled for 10 cattle The Government took the review of the every collector office for instead of 5. Expenditure situation and declared scarcity on 18th smooth functioning and on cattle in the camps has January 2012 first in 6201 villages on effective implementation. been doubled – Rs. 80 for the basis of Kharif crops and then on Collectors take a weekly review through big and Rs. 40 for small cattle. In four 26th March 2012 in 1552 villages on the video-conferencing with the concerned districts of Sangli, Satara, Solapur basis of the Rabbi crop. As immediate officers. After the review, the Collector and Ahmednagar 111 fodder depots measures to cope up with the situation sends the detailed status report to the have been opened. The Government the Government announced several Government regarding the tankers’ has incurred Rs. 580.57 lakh on sops for the rural people. In view of demand, EGS works, attendance of supplying 29721 metric tonne fodder. the unseasonal rains. The Government MGNEGS workers, works to be taken In the 15 scarcity-hit districts for opened fodder depots in 998 villages under the EGS, fodder requirement etc. the repairs of water supply schemes on 28th September 2011 and made Collectors have been empowered to available jobs under the Employment Cattle Camps sanction Rs. 25 lakh while Divisional Guarantee Scheme. Collectors have been empowered Commissioners can sanction Rs. 1 crore. Necessary measures to tackle the to taken necessary action regarding In the present situation in all situation fall in the purview of different opening of fodder depots and cattle 1389 villages and 5059 hamlets are departments. Success of the measures camps. In view of the severe conditions getting drinking water through 1620 depends on the better coordination in the scarcity-hit villages, subsidy tankers. Total 101 temporary water and integration. Therefore concerned on the fodder rate has been increased pipelines have been approved. Of Collectors have been empowered to from 50 per cent to 75 per cent in 7643 these 35 schemes have been completed take actions at the earliest. The Chief villages that witness the scarcity. For and the rest 66 are near completion. Secretary is in touch with the Divisional Below Poverty Line farmers the subsidy Water pipelines which were defunct Commissioners reviewing the status on fodder is increased to 90 per cent. due to non-payment of bills have been made operational and the electricity connections to the pipelines that are cut for the want of outstanding payment have been reconnected. Collectors have also acquired some private wells. Collectors have been empowered to take contingency measures in the area where the required water is not being supplied or the source of water is not available within the periphery of 1.5 km.  As told to Mukta Pawar

14 May 2012 Mitigation Measures As a part of medium term drought mitigation measures, the Maharashtra Government is taking up and completing all incomplete irrigation projects In response to the serious drought situation, the Government has undertaken to implement relief measures which include provision of relief employment, supply of drinking water and distribution of fodder through fodder depots, says Principal Secretary, Rehabilitation and Relief Works, Praveen Pardeshi.

aharashtra State has a Aurangabad (Aurangabad Division), villages for Kharif and 26 March 2012 tropical climate with 70 per Amravati, Buldhana (Amravati for 1552 Rabbi villages and would Mcent of Maharashtra land area Division), Gadchiroli, Nagpur and continue to be in effect till the State being hot- semi-arid to arid. Agriculture Gondia (Nagpur Division). Government issues a revocation in the State is largely dependent Altogether 209 talukas in these order. The State received erratic and upon monsoon rainfall. The drought 15 districts are seriously affected by comparatively low rainfall in the year. situation in Maharashtra has the drought. The declaration of 50 talukas experienced a deficit of deteriorated in 2012. Deficient rainfall drought has already come into effect 20-30 per cent from normal rainfall, in Western Maharashtra and part of from the 1 8 January 2012 for 6201 38 talukas experienced a deficit of Marathawada and Vidarbha regions has severely affected agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood and employment. Following untimely and deficient rains, the Government of Maharashtra had declared drought in 15 districts of the State on October 15, 2011 and on 26 March 2012. These districts are Pune, Satara, Sangli, and Solapur (Pune Division), Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule (Nashik Division) and Latur, Osmanabad and

May 2012 15 Maharashtra Ahead

30 – 50 per cent rainfall while 4 talukas experienced a deficit of more than 50 30.00 per cent. Thus in all 209 talukas out 28.25 27.50 of the total 353 talukas experienced a 25.00 deficit in the average of 0-60 per cent in the year 2011. 20.00 2010-11 The lack of rainfall has also affected 15.00 13.6713.21 11.23 2011-12 the water levels of the irrigation 9.76 projects in the State. The following 10.00 8.41 8.54 figure indicates the storage comparison in major, medium, minor and other 5.00 reservoirs in the State. 0.00 In comparison with the previous year, the storage levels in all the Rice Kh.Jowar Bajra Tur projects, major, medium, minor and others are already less as compared to the previous year. So far an average 50.00 water storage in reservoirs in the State 45.00 43.16 is concerned, the present storage is 40.25 40.00 29 per cent as on 9th April 2011 as compared to 44 per cent on the same 35.00 date in the last year. The level of 30.00 2010-11 water storage is still continuously 25.00 23.01 20.85 2011-12 depleting at an alarming rate in the 20.00 State. 13.00 15.00 12.10 12.84 Another indicator of drought can 10.00 7.74 be seen in the form of the depletion in 5.00 the level of groundwater in the talukas. It can be seen that in 84 talukas, water 0.00 level has depleted upto 1mtr, in 23 Soyabean Rabi Jowar Wheat Gram talukas from 1-2 mtrs, in 9 talukas between 2-3 mtrs while in 6 talukas the decline of groundwater level is 1600 1371 1392 above 3 mtrs. This is with reference to 1400 1321 1184 1232 comparison of groundwater levels in the 1200 1131 last five years. 1000 2010-11 The impact of the lack of rainfall, 767 2011-12 800 684 depleting levels of ground water and 600 water in irrigation projects has had 400 322 an adverse impact on the agricultural 280 production in the State. The reduction 200 in rainfall and the decline in reservoir 0 as well as ground water levels have Cereals Pulses Foodgrains Oilseeds Cotton (Lint) had an adverse impact on the crop production in the State. The third advance estimates indicates that there The above figures indicate the of January 2012. As the drought is reduction in production of food- comparison of Agricultural production conditions have intensified, the scale grains, oilseeds, cotton & Sugarcane between 2010 – 11 and 2011 - 12; on which these relief measures are as compared to 2010-11. Cereals are In response to the serious drought organized has been scaled up. Similarly, expected to face a decline in production situation, the Government has the expenditure on these measures has by 5 per cent, pulses by 22 per cent and undertaken to implement relief also correspondingly gone up. These food grains by 5 per cent. The expected measures which include provision of measures include productivity of Rabbi - Jowar too will relief employment, supply of drinking be reduced by 11 and 26 per cent as water and distribution of fodder Relief Employment compared to normal and last year through fodder depots. These measures At present the number of works in respectively. have been initiated since the beginning drought-affected 15 districts has

16 May 2012 increased to 2.03 lakhs, while the tankers. The number of drinking water attendance of labour on these works was tankers being provided as on 02.05.2012 1.13 lakhs last year. The scale on which in 902 villages, 4526 hamlets, is 1064 as relief employment is being provided has compared to the previous year where on almost doubled in the last one year. It the same date, there were 57 villages, clearly shows the lack of agricultural 114 hamlets which were being supplied employment in rural areas and an ever- drinking water through 53 tankers. increasing demand for employment. Another initiative taken up by the Currently, 55,039 works are in progress State is distribution of fodder through and labour on muster was 6,00,244; fodder depots. As on 2.5.2012, in 4 267349 works are on shelf with capacity districts (Ahmednagar, Satara, Sangli of 2221.31 lacs. and Solapur) 101 fodder depots are operational and 4 cattle camps which Comparison of Labour attendance have supplied 18,808 MT of fodder. MGNREGA There is increasing demand for

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000 Water Harvesting Structures. The 0 affected districts are in the rain shadow Nashik Ahmednagar Sangli Latur Bhandara and have been repeatedly affected by Expenditure in lakhs 2010-11 Expenditure in lakhs 2011-12 drought. To break the vicious cycle of drought and drought-relief, the State Comparison of Expenditure as fodder in drought affected districts. Government is planning to provide a per MGNREGA between 2010 and Government has taken up a green special package to drought-affected 2012 fodder development programme in the district to undertake cement check dams, earthen bunds and micro 30000 water harvesting structures, which is scheduled to be completed in this 25000 summer itself. This will help to recharge the depleting water table, and even if 20000 the there are deficient rains in the next monsoon, the drinking water scarcity 15000 could be mitigated and protective irrigation to the next kharif crop could 10000 be provided. The Government is thus planning to undertake construction of 5000 micro water harvesting structures like check-dams etc the cost of which would 0 Nashik Jalgaon Pune Sangli Osmanabad Buldhana Bhandara Gadchiroli be approximately Rs 300 crores. Apart from this, as a part of medium Labour Attendance 09.04.2011 Labour Attendance 07.04.2012 term drought mitigation measures, the Maharashtra Government is taking up The State is looking to supply non drought affected Talukas. and completing all incomplete irrigation drinking water to the drought affected The State is also taking up short- projects under the accelerated irrigation villages through provision of water term drought mitigation through Micro benefit programme. 

May 2012 17 Maharashtra Ahead Self-sufficient Villages, a Fundamental Development The MGNREG aims at braving the scarcity and creating the tangible assets for the country. In remote Adivasi areas of Melghat in Amaravati district, people who had migrated have started coming back to their home town with availability of jobs at their door-step, malnutrition has come down and drop-outs number is reduced. Consequently socio-economic development is taking place gradually, Principal Secretary, Employment Guarantee Scheme and Water Conservation V. Giriraj talks about the results of the revolutionary MGNREGS.

mployment Guarantee Scheme, to bring transformation in the rural hallmark of the MGNREGS. Therefore the most innovative initiative areas, the Central Government too payment is given to workers through Eof Maharashtra was the result adopted the scheme and implemented post or bank and not at all by cash. of the successful measures to combat it in other States of the country. The In the 7 districts and 7 talukas where the severe drought the State witnessed Centre passed the National Rural there is no bank or post, nationalized in 1972. It is the brain child of the then Employment Guarantee Act in 2005 banks have appointed Business Corres­ Chairman of the Legislative Assembly paving the way for the Mahatma Gandhi pondent Model on the experiment V. S. Page’s vision. The scheme National Rural Employment Guarantee basis. NIC has developed a website: provided the jobs to small farmers and Act (MGNREGA). The scheme that www.nrega.nic.in which provides the also facilitated infrastructure for the aimed at triumphaning over the scarcity national data. development work. Irrigation projects, has today become the backbone of the Maharashtra implemented the dams and lakes have come up in many national development. MGNREGA in phased manner between places in the State through the scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to create 2006 and 2008 in all districts barring Considering the capacity of the EGS the tangible assets. Transparency is the Mumbai and Suburban District. Under

18 May 2012 the MGNREGS the State plans to Works to be taken up under the MGNREGS create sustainable assets that would 1. Water Conservation and Water Harvesting facilitate increase agriculture yield. This 2. Scarcity combating works including afforestation would make villages self-sufficient and 3. Creating small canals for micro and small irrigations 4.  Facilitating the horticulture,land reform and irrigaton facilities on the lands of promote the fundamental concept of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or benefciaries of Land Reform and indira rural development. Awas Yojana minor and limited land holders . The scheme provides job throughout 5. Renovation of traditional water schemes and de-silting of lakes 6. Land Development the year to every unskilled employee 7. Flood-control and flood protection willing to work. Every Gram Panchayat 8. All weather roads in rural areas is supposed to prepare the Labour 9.  Construction of Village Knowledge Resources Centre (Gramgyan Samsadhan Kendra), and construction of Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra in the form Budget of the village and present it in of Gram Panchayat Bhavan at Gram Panchayat level. the Gram Sabha. Selection of the work 10. Other works ascertained by the State Government in consultation with the Centre. and priority are the prerogatives of Gram Panchayat. Fifty per cent jobs Works done last year under the MGNREGS in the EGS are carried out through the 1. Sapling Nurseries and plantation Gram Panchayat. 2. Creation of farm lakes etc From the job allocation till its 3. Implementation of programme raisng nursseries and protecting nurseries at Gram Panchayat level. completion the Panchyat plays 4. De-silting of conventional water bodies, village lakes and percolaton tanks. important role. The Panchayat has to 5. Construction of pathways through farms. see that enough works are on the shelves 6. Digging of Private wells 7. Horticulture development programme so that employment could be provided 8. Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendras at village and taluka level within the 15 days from the date of the 9. Gram Panchayat Development Plan application made by the villagers. If work 10. Individual and common toilet blocks under Sampoorna Swacchata Abhiyan 11. Rural toilet blocks is not provided the applicant is entitled 12. Construction of playgrounds in naxal affected areas to get the unemployment allowance, as 13. Concretization of roadsand paver blocks roads. Construction of irrigation wells, per the provision of the Law. farm ponds, orchard plantation,land reforms on the lands of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, benefciaries of Indira Awas Yojana, land reform and land Villager seeking the employment holders under Forest Right Act. under the scheme has to register in the concerned office. He/she then gets the job card. This card gives them the guarantee of the employment. The job seeker has to be given the employment within the 5 km periphery. Contract system in the EGS is banned. Machines could be used for the works if inevitable. Through computerization planning and implementation of the scheme have been done in innovative manner. Prospective employees are trained, work system is simplified, the MIS is in water conservation in 2010-11 Nanded back to their home town. Malnutrition applied to strengthen the scheme. This district and Sitepar village panchayat in in the area has come down. Similarly, resulted in completion of works worth Beed district were awarded in February number of drop-outs has also come Rs. 1500 crore in 2011-12. The total 2012. down. It is also noticed that social and remuneration given to the employees For the effective implementation economic development is taking place for various works under the scheme has of the scheme the Government has in the area. increased this year. Presently nearly established a separate Commissionerate In 2011-12 in Maharashtra’s scarcity- 6,15,000 workers are reporting on in Nagpur and appointed Ombudsmen affected districts work for 315 lakh the jobs. Works undertaken under the in 29 districts. State MGREGS fund man days under the EGS was created. scheme are: plantation on the banks of has been created and a society has With a view to coping up with the farms on barren fields, digging of in- been established for its management. severe scarcity of 2012-13 in the well bores and tube-wells. The better implementation of the EGS scarcity-hit districts total 1,40,695 The Central Government is also made available employment for local works are on shelves worth the capacity inspiring the local self government people. Good results are seen in remote of 453.70 lakh workers. Concerned bodies who carry out works under the Adivasi areas of Melghat in Amaravati authorities have been instructed that EGS, by awarding them as per their district. People migrated elsewhere for works should be provided immediately performance. For the best performance the want of jobs have started coming on demand. 

May 2012 19 Maharashtra Ahead Strategies of Water Management for Drought Prone Areas

Recharge of ground water also needs to be planned For understanding the real significance of a drought situation, it is not proper to go by the variability in the total amount of rainfall alone, but it is necessary to analyse and understand the variability in the total hydrologic process in the area. Management of a drought prone area really revolves around the management of the variable manifestations of water in the form of soil-moisture, ground-water or surface flows says Dr. Madhavrao Chitale, an authority on water management

hile considering the of a large variability in the rainfall this hydrologic system is always in a strategies of drought crops is frequently lost under conditions delicate balance. In these areas all the Wmanagement, it is necessary of scanty precipitation. Areas of the hydrologic entities like the surface river to distinguish between the different latter type are the drought prone areas flows, reservoir storages, soil-moisture situations of water shortage. The as distinct from the arid or desert areas. or ground-water get seriously affected problems of the arid areas, where one But where the normal rainfall is frequently throwing out of gear the good crop is not possible even in the limited to about 750 mm to 800 mm various activities woven around them. normal years, are quite different from in a year and the variability is also very Hence a more comprehensive and long- the ones of those areas, where one good high, i.e., above 30% as in the case of term attention is required to such areas crops is normally expected, but because the Deccan plateau, the life supporting for establishing a stronger and stabler economic base.

Variability of the Hydrologic Process The nature of disturbance caused by the variations in the precipitation pattern in the drought prone areas is not the same in different years. It manifests itself in different years in different degrees in respect of soil moisture deficits, ground-water decline, reduced river flows or loss of storage in the reservoirs. In some years good amount of total annual precipitation is received in a few intensive storms with the result that the reservoirs get filled up by the flash floods, but the agricultural soils do not receive their moisture replenishment on a continuous basis over the crop season. Under such a situation crops from the unirrigated lands stand considerably affected. On the other hand, there are

20 May 2012 some years in which the well spread out thin showers replenish the soil-moisture periodically throughout the agricultural season, thereby giving rise to excellent crops, while over land run-off is very poor, river flows very low and reservoirs left empty or only partially filled. All the activities dependent on the waters from reservoirs or from the river flows suffer in such years. Under the conditions of a thinly spread out precipitation, the evaporation losses from the land surface are also very high. When the surface soil does not experience saturation conditions, recharge of the ground-water is poor. Thus, while the normal rainfed cultivation is in good shape, those who are dependent on replenishment of ground water or on reservoirs storages either for drinking water or for crop cultivation badly suffer. blessing. Because these soils are Effects of short drought periods can Hence for understanding the real highly impervious and do not permit be overcome by adopting correct significance of a drought situation, it liberal percolation and recharge of the agronomical practices like deep tillage, is not proper to go by the variability ground water, these areas witness an and mulching which improve the in the total amount of rainfall alone, apparently paradoxical scenario of good availability of soil moisture. Mulching but it is necessary to analyse and agricultural crop but acute scarcity of techniques have particularly a great role understand the variability in the drinking water. Particularly the villages to play not only on the dry land farms total hydrologic process in the area. that depend on ground water for their but also on the irrigated farms, because Management of a drought prone area domestic supplies are badly hit. of the moisture losses are very heavy in really revolves around­ the management the dry climate of the drought affected of the variable manifestations of water Use of Ground Water areas. For various reasons, mulching in the form of soil-moisture, ground- With the advent of machine power, has not received as much attention as it water or surface flows. man’s capacity for ground water should have from the farmers. Mulches extraction has increased manifold. The of straw, organic compost, coir waste, Impact of the Soil Cover annual extraction has now exceeded gravel, plastic sheets or chemicals and A very large part of the drought prone the limits of annual recharge at many petroleum products have been tried on region has a cover of clayey soil, locally places. Aquifers in hard-rock areas the research farms. It has been seen known as the black cotton soil, which is which are not properly linked with a that introduction of scientific mulching highly moisture retentive. It has high natural or artificial recharge system practices on the agricultural farms proportions of organic matter, calcium have been found to be not dependable. in the drought areas can improve the and magnesium carbonates, iron and Ground Water is not an independent retention of moisture in the farm soil by alumina. It holds up to 300 mm of free entity but is only one of the phases as much as 50% and improve the yields water per meter depth as compared to in which water exists in its overall by 75%. only 100 mm in the sandy loam. An hydrologic cycle. There are, therefore, The year’s choice of crops depends excellent crop of cotton or groundnut obvious limitations to the extent its use upon the commencement of the rainy can be grown on these soils even with a can be stretched. Deep drilling may only season an early start or a late start. This limited precipitation of about 500 mm help to mine the water accumulated can vary by as much as 30 days. Hence during the three months of the rainy over centuries. Such mining efforts alternative seed packages have to be season if it is reasonably well spread cannot provide a long term sustainable kept ready as a measure of contingency out. A good crop of sorghum is possible support for development. plan. One of the effective ways of with just 400 mm of precipitation. reducing the impact of variability in But for the presence of these soils the Management of Agriculture the precipitation process is to have a impact of a drought situation on the Since the large demand for water is system of intermixed cropping. The agricultural produce from the Deccan from the Agricultural Sector, greater agriculturist who is supporting himself plateau could have been much more attention is needed to ensure water for from dry-land farming will always severe. However, this is also a mixed establishing the agricultural output. be better off over a series of years by

May 2012 21 Maharashtra Ahead

growing a mix of 2 to 3 crop varieties different activities will have to be Drinking Water simultaneously, each having a different properly quantified and the activities On the drinking water side, however period of growth and germination. Short permitting greater tolerance of deficits relatives less flexibility exists. While duration crops like grams, mustard and will have to be preferred. Rather than the water supply required for cleaning pulses can be very well intermixed with providing the theoretically needed six purpose could be somewhat adjusted, the others like sorghum and wheat. applications of water, the crops can still requirement for human consumption There are natural limitations on flourish well with only four applications or for cattle population is an inflexible the irrigation facilities that can be for the winter crops and may reasonably quantity. In the management of supplies provided in the drought prone areas. survive, if not flourish, with only two such inflexible requirements will have In the Deccan plateau, more than 60% applications also. The net gains to to be met with as the first charge. The of the drought prone region will have society by adopting such a curtailed actually supplies are seldom above 150 to depend on the dry land farming and rationed supply for all the farmers LPCPD even in the normal years. It is practices only, even after developing are far greater than those obtained by difficult to scale down the supply below the water resources of this area fully. meeting the full needs of a limited few. 60 LPCPD during the severest drought The crops that are very sensitive to The management strategy to has ensure period. Rural community suffers the moisture stress should not be the fulfillment of this objective. most under the drought conditions encouraged in the drought areas. For maximizing the economic for want of employment and for want Water is required by the crops returns from the limited available water of water. A dependable water supply more at their critical stages of growth. resources, it is more advantageous to system ensuring at least 40 LPCPD Water stress during other periods has encourage the low water consuming in the difficult periods is of utmost negligible impact on yields. In the case crops like sorghum (Jowar), maize and importance for these areas. Absence of of lentils, grams, linseed sunflower, oilseeds (sun flower, groundnut), pulses dependable arrangements for supply mustard or safflower reducing the (moong) and vegetables chilies potatoes of drinking water tend to aggravate the watering from 4 to 2 in Rabi has hardly and onions. It has been shown that net migration to cities and hence the need any effect on the optimum yield levels returns per unit of water in growing the for a greater priority to the rural water of lentil (2.0 t/ha) gram (2.65 t/ha) or above mentioned crops are 150%, 200%, supply schemes. sunflower (2.2 t/ha). Even under the 210% 250% and 400% respectively, of rainfed conditions millets, barley, pulses those obtained by growing paddy or Prevention of Evaporation possess intrinsically higher tolerance. sugarcane. Irrigation systems in the Faced with the limited availability of drought prone areas will have therefore water, all possible efforts are necessary Maximization of Returns to support such low water consuming to prevent losses by evaporation from For a proper management plan, crops in preference to the high water the irrigated farms as well as from the the deficit tolerance capacity of the consuming crops. reservoir surfaces. Irrigated areas are 5 to 10 times larger than the surface areas of the reservoir. Moreover, when irrigation water is applied to parched and heated land surfaces or to open the porous soil crusts, evaporation loss is particularly very high. In the aggregate, evaporation losses from irrigated areas are much greater than those from the reservoir surface. It is observed that in the drought prone areas the daily rate of evaporation increases sharply from March onwards reaching a peak rate of 14 mm/day in May which is more than double the average evaporation rate up to February. In the three months from March to May, more than 1000 mm of water evaporates from the reservoir surface. To avoid large losses of water in these three months, instructions have already been laid down that the reservoir should be depleted to the minimum possible levels latest by the

22 May 2012 end of February, thereby shrinking the reservoir surface. It has also been advocated that the surface irrigation systems in drought prone areas should support only two seasonal crops between the period July to February (i.e. Kharif and Rabi seasons). Requirements of irrigation for the hot weather months, if any, are to be met from ground water only.

Conveyance Losses Losses in water conveyance are also high during the dry summer months. Hence from the point of water conservation, it is not at all economical to run a canal system in the drought areas during the hot dry months. A better practice is to transport as much water as possible during the wet monsoon months or latest during the winter period thereafter and to store it in small ponds and tanks near the points of consumption for later use, during the summer months. An irrigation system in a drought to drought conditions, the drought Hence sudden peaks in the demands prone area should accordingly, consist situation is also caused by the three can best be met only by pressing into of a main reservoir, the conveyance types of aberrations in the precipitation service all the wells in the command. and distribution network, and a large pattern namely, (a) late start of the Conjunctive use of ground water and number of tanks and ponds scattered monsoon; (b) long dry spells during the surface water not only optimizes the throughout the command area, to be monsoon period; (c) early withdrawal of use of water resources in an Irrigation fed from the conveyance system. The monsoon. Situations of late start have command, but also makes the irrigation irrigation as well as the drinking water been found to be more frequent than system operationally more viable during supplies should best be tagged on to those of early withdrawal. Industrial the periods of stress. Farm ponds are these local tanks and ponds, rather than and Drinking water supplies are most particularly useful for protecting the directed to the main conveyance system vulnerable to the conditions of late crops during the long dry spells during which should necessarily be closed by commencement of monsoon. Hence monsoon or after the early withdrawal the end of winter season and well before it is always prudent to reserve some of monsoon. the commencement of the summer storage in the water supply reservoir for season to avoid losses. the requirements of the months of June Use of less Dependable What applies to the canal system and half of July, from whatever limited Yields equally applies to the releases into quantity is at hand. For the drought areas, use of average the river channel. It is not correct to Agricultural cropping programmes flows of 50% dependable quantities release water in the river channel for suffer under any of these three have been recommended by many transport over a long distance during aberrations. But under all these commissions and committees to the dry months. Even when this has to conditions ground water can provide increase the availability of water be resorted to, continuous low flows a good relief to the farmers. In the mainly for the agricultural purpose. over long periods should be avoided. It command areas of irrigation canals, Minor Irrigation tanks (i.e., which have is better to rush the required quantity of the sudden demand from the extensive culturable command area of 2000 ha or water in a small period and then hold it area arising out of a long break in less) are already being planned for 50% up in small storages behind the barrages monsoon cannot be coped with by the dependable water. But it is seen that near the points of consumption. canals and distributaries because they the system planned for the use of water do not have enough carrying capacity of lower dependability do not function Protection Against to convey water required by all the effectively unless they are handled Variations fields simultaneously. The irrigation with greater administrative and Apart from the net deficit beyond (20%) conveyance systems are designed managerial skills and there is a greater in the annual precipitation that leads essentially for a rotational schedule. social responsiveness amongst the

May 2012 23 Maharashtra Ahead

beneficiaries. Use of lower dependable flows means inviting larger variations on the supply side from year to year. Unless the distributive mechanism is properly refined to distribute the shortages amongst the recipients of water in a successful manner the system fails to support the extended clientele effectively. In the years of shortages, it should not happen that the needs of a few only are met with in full, while some other are totally eliminated from the protective folds of the distribution system. The shortages will have to be shared by all the potential users. Achieving this objective is a difficult task and a challenge to the managerial skills of the system’s operators. Unless specific clear rules are laid down for sharing the shortages amongst the where the agricultural activities could kingpin in the development of the beneficiaries, it is difficult to regulate best be concentrated. drought prone area. There are no the short supplies. general solutions possible. They will Emphasis on Activities have to be area specific, because of Role of Pastures and Requiring Less Water the hydrological peculiarities of the Forests The primary objective of any watershed. It has also to be remembered Water management cannot succeed management plan for a drought prone that the development of the drought without simultaneous coordinated area would be to minimize the effects prone areas cannot be modeled on efforts in land management. In the of a drought situation on the economic the lines of the development of the drought prone areas there is just neither activities in that area. In this context, other favourably placed areas. The enough water to irrigate all the lands, the activities which are less dependent pattern of development of the drought nor are all the lands fertile enough to on use of water should be the most prone areas will have to be quite support agricultural farming. Hence preferred ones. Commercial activities different from that for the others. Each pastures and tree farming will have to such as shops, schools, offices and watershed in the drought prone area form an integral part of the land and hospitals require little support of water needs to be developed keeping in view water management strategy. While other than that for domestic purposes. the geographic, geologic, hydrologic grasses can grow on the moisture Many industries like toy making, peculiarities of the watershed and the from the shallow soil cover, the deep structural fabrication and weaving nature of the soil profiles prevalent in root system of the trees can draw their also do not need much of a support the watershed. moisture from the deeper ground water from the water resources. Grain Recharge of ground water also needs zones and survive under a drought cultivation is a highly water to be planned through a combination condition. Forest covers can also help consumptive activity by and large. of contour trenches, nala bunds and in the ground water recharge process It required ten times more water for small ponds by choosing appropriate through their root system, by reducing every person employed therein than physical locations for this purpose. Each evaporation under their dense canopy that required for the above mentioned watershed should also have a dedicated and by adding leaf litter and humus. other economic activities. Hence while local rain gauge station preferably a For optimizing the output of land drawing up a perspective programme of self recording one and a systematic water interaction, it is desirable to economic development of the drought local ground water monitoring system have afforestation and development of prone areas or while operating a water to properly regulate the use of water grasslands in the upstream portions of supply system for that area preference throughout the year. The recent a basin or a watershed to reduce the silt in the use of arranged supplies of water Ground Water Act (2009) passed by load in the runoff followed by a cluster should be given to the commercial and the Maharashtra State’s Legislature has of cities and industries in the middle industrial activities having low water many provisions in this direction. It will portion of the basin or the watershed. consumption. be very useful if that law can be put into Their effluent can be profitably used practice immediately by establishing along with the natural river supplies Watershed Management the watershed management committees in the downstream portion of the basin Proper management of water is the of the villagers. 

24 May 2012 Maharashtra Ahead Rethink Watershed Development Many villages in Maharashtra have conquered the water scarcity and they act as the lighthouse … Use of machinery in the State-sponsored EGS has now been permitted could speed up watershed works. The State Government’s decision to raise the height of bunding from 60 cm to one metre is an important one, opines Vijay Anna Borade, an expert in the field of water and watershed development area.

t’s incorrect to say that drinking and Khandesh, for the Western water problem is over once Maharashtra it is yet to be established. Ithe watershed development In Western Maharashtra some talukas is complete. Stored water in the like Maan and Khatav are severely project could be wasted if there is scarcity-hit. Scarcity should be fought no coordination in water storing cutting across the regional barriers. and water using. Kandvanchi Separate missions could be established village has successfully shown how in the valleys of the five rivers to take watershed development area water up the watershed area development could be used with more capacity works in the area. The valley of Sina, for Rabbi and Kharif crops. Farmers Sindphana, Maan, Vairal and Manjara have right to use the watershed rivers come under the scarcity-prone development area water. To implement area. Rs. 500 crores should be allocated the Food Security Act soil conservation in the State budget every year for the and water conservation should be watershed area development. tagged together to stop soil erosion. EGS policy needs to be changed This means that soil and water in the as workers are not willing to do the has decided to do the EGS works with farm should be stored in the farm itself. watershed work. Remuneration for the help of machines, it would get This would help to provide water for these workers should be linked to speeded up and benefit the people from agriculture and solve many issues. Dearness indicators. Daily wages of the respective area. If different works It’s necessary to take up the EGS workers should be increased in the district are clubbed and work of watershed area works in Solapur, first and then the remuneration of one village is taken at a time, it would Ahmednagar, Vidarbha and North others so that workers would feel fetch good results. Maharashtra on the lines of the works motivated to do the works. Instead In the watershed area development done by the Marathwada Watershed of just criticizing the corruption a the soil conservation principle is Development Mission to make it permanent system should be developed adopted defeating scarcity could be more useful. Similar missions have changing the present one from the possible. Funds of backlog may not been formed in Vidarbha, Konkan grass-root. Now that the Government benefit many villages, therefore I feel that emphasis should be on the watershed area. Any new thought is welcomed. The feeling of accountability should be there in the minds of the workers in the EGS. The efforts taken by the Government and by the NGOs should be appreciated. Any particular work should not get credit over and over again. Women’s contribution in the works of agriculture is also ignored. In fact they deserve the praise just as their counterparts. 

May 2012 25 Maharashtra Ahead Kadvanchi Defeats Scarcity The watershed area development has brought the migrated farmers back their home. The Watershed Area Development Programme initiated in Kadvanchi 18 years ago has astonishingly transformed the surrounding area. The per capita income of people in Kadvanchi has sky-rocketed to Rs. 45,833 now from Rs. 2365 in 1996-97. Today 57 farmers are using motorcycles as compared to just 4 and 136 families have TV sets today as compared to just two some years ago.

that runs into 50,000 lakh metre. Strylo and Hemata grass was sown on the bank of the trench. This helped to strengthen the trench and also created more green grass for cattle. The trench is connected with the concrete pipeline or stoned outlets to spread the water around. The bund around the farms helps soil conservation. According to a study by the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning 25 tonne per hectare soil is eroded every year. Abrasion of the upper layer of the soil that contains important natural ingredients such as nitrate, phosphorus and potassium results in reduction of yield by 25 to 40 per cent. Therefore soil conservation is advanchi a scarcity-prone small Programme a unique one. important to maintain the quality of the village located just 18 km off Another important aspect of the farms and hence the bunding of farms KJalana city today with 455 programme is that in the Kadvanchi becomes necessary. families boasts its prosperity proudly watershed area the 22 big cement bunds The Watershed Area Development as the testimony of efforts of integrated have been created on 19-km nullah Programme of Kadvanchi which is watershed area development and passing by the village boundary. This situated in the valley of Godavai and judicious use of water for agriculture. created water bodies and accumulated Purna rivers continued for five years. Following the guidelines of the Vijay water got percolated in the vicinity The programme aimed at ridge to valley Anna Borade it has become the role making the area irrigated and also development. It cost Rs. 1,22,08,467. model of rural development. provided more water to wells in the area. During the period of the proposed Marathwada Agriculture Assistance This is based on the concept mooted expenditure Rs.12 lakh were saved and Board, active since 1969 in the field by Vijay Anna Borade of stopping soil the amount was kept as the fixed deposit of rural development, has played an erosion for accumulating water to get in the bank. The amount of interest instrumental role in the transformation it percolate in the surrounding area. is spent on repairs and maintenance of Kadvanchi. Its Agriculture Science Putting this concept into practice of the bunding. Every year repairs Centre undertook Watershed Area Borade has evolved a model that has at particular location is done in just Development Programme in Kadvanchi been accepted by the State Government. Rs 10 through village procession. A JCB in 1994 under the Indo-German The prevailing technical parameters is also the part of the procession. Water Area Development Programme. of watershed area development were As a result of the programme water Conscientious use of water along with made flexible and as per the farmers’ level of the village has amazingly soil conservation made the Kadvanchi needs trench has been created along increased from 5.5 metres to 10.97 Watershed Area Development side of the farms over 1550 hectare area metres. This has brought 1338 hectares

26 May 2012 under irrigation of that 300 hectares are under permanent irrigation. This inspired farmers to take up horticulture, floriculture, vegetables and unconventional crops like chili, turmeric etc. Till 1993 the villagers used to take traditional crops. The area of cultivation has gone up to 1517 hectares from 337 hectares. Irrigated land in Rabbi and Kharif has doubled up from 398 hectares, high quality agriculture produce area has gone up to 330 hectares from 174 hectares and land under vegetable cultivation has gone up to 257 hectares from 107 hectares. Number of wells in Kadvanchi has increased from 225 to around 1000 since the Watershed Area Development to 347 hectares, while wheat growing now 79 self help groups are active. Programme is complete. area has increased from 27 hectares to Their participation in social field facili­ Kadvanchi has developed the 99 hectares. tated construction of 64 common toilet capacity to store 75 crore liters water The agricultural planning helped bocks, use of smoke-less stoves and LPG in 47 farm ponds. Polythin sheets are increase agriculture yield and fuel. The per capita income of people spread at the bottom of the lakes, thus agriculture produce has increased from in Kadvanchi has sky-rocketed to water does not get percolate and the Rs. 79.50 lakh to Rs. 4,61, 60,000 in the Rs. 45,833 now from Rs. 2365 in stock remains intact. In case of delayed past 5 years. In the current year it is has 1996-97. monsoon when wells go dry this water is gone to Rs. 11 crore. Within a year from used for agriculture. the completion of the project agriculture Empowered Farmers produce has increased by four times Once upon a time we frequently used Enriched Soil more than the cost of the project. to visit banks for agriculture loans, Quality of the soil has enriched due Horticulture has increased from today the ball is in our court. Farming to the watershed area development. mere 3 hectare to 200 hectare. Grape has enriched us and we are in the Farmers have adopted new techniques yard is spread over 140 hectares while position to negotiate rate of interest of farming. They are using modern pomegranate is grown over 60 hectare. with the bank managers since we have technology for irrigation. They are also Horticulture farmers have also opted the repaying capacity, says a farmer, doing community farming. Of the 455 for group marketing. Bhagwanrao Kshirsagar. The villagers families nearly 275 families have grape have constructed roads through yards. Hundred families are engaged Increase in Saving collective participation. In 15 days in vegetable farming. The area under With the rise in income more housew­ they collected Rs. 15 lakh to construct cotton has gone up from 199 hectares ives have opted for saving. In the village roads of 42 km length. It has become easy to transport agriculture produce to the market place due to these roads. The villagers’ prosperity could well be gauged by the assets and modern gadgets they own. Today 57 farmers are using motorcycles as compared to just 4 and 136 families have TV sets today as compared to just two some years ago. In 1987 merely 3 farmers were growing grapes now grape yards exist over 350 acre land. Grapes have fetched Rs. 15 crore through exports. The watershed area development has brought the migrated farmers back their home. Farmers are sending their children to English medium schools.  Yashwant Bhandare

May 2012 27 Maharashtra Ahead Future Favours the Brave Houses painted in same colour in Papal village stands as the testimony of communal harmony Papal is being looked at as the agriculture pilgrim. The reputation has not come their way so easily, it is the result of their dedication and untiring efforts of last three years. Villagers resolved to cope up with the inevitable scarcity.

eople of Papal village in Amravati district have braved the nature’s Pwrath of water scarcity and the God of fortune blessed them in abundance. A small village of just 7000 population is fully dependant on the rains for their farming. Naturally water scarcity, a famine-like situation is a perennial problem for them. In every summer they toil for the drinking water. The situation has made them tough over the years. So they have stood in all odds, as the saying goes-when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. They have a strong will power and stronger motivator. And he is none other than the father of India’s Agriculture Revolution - Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh. Papal is late assistance they got under the Adarsh conservation works were undertaken Punjabrao’s birth-place. Gaon Campaign. collectively under the guidance of Villagers resolved to cope up with Gradually the results started technical officer Mukund Kanate. the inevitable drought to live up to the showing. Underground water level got This helped to bring more land under reputation of their role model, says elevated due to accumulated water in irrigation and agricultural yield Papal Sarpanch Kishore Gulalkari. The farm lakes and concrete bunds. Wells got increased by 30 to 40 per cent. principles of an ideal village that they in the villages received water. Farm Subsequently villagers’ life style has followed made the whole difference. soil got moisture. Today Papal is being improved. Villagers voluntarily imposed restraints looked at as the agriculture pilgrim. The Villagers like Vishwanath Borkar, on themselves by banning cattle reputation has not come their way so Ananda Tamate and Kishore Balkhande grazing, stopped tree felling, executed easily, it is the result of their dedication tell their turn-around stories. prohibition strictly, implemented and untiring efforts of the last three Balkhande took crops like soybean and family planning and undertook all years. cotton which no one had dreamt of in development works in the village They developed neat, clean and the past. together voluntarily. planned market place by constructing The villager now has a full-fledged Shree Shivaji Shikshan Sanstha permanent shop platforms. Due to this Primary Health Centre that takes care established by late Punjabrao even on the bazaar day the traffic could of villagers’ health. For the youth a well- Deshmukh decided to transform the move smoothly. Now village looks clean equipped gymnasium and for students a village through ideal village campaign even after the bazaar gets over. As a good library is also now ready. Physical started by the State Government. The symbolic gesture all villagers painted infrastructure development works education institute took the villagers their houses with a similar colour. The are also undertaken. The Rs. 15 crore into confidence and convinced them colour stands as the testimony of the development plan of the village has that can do it. The villagers participated communal harmony. been sanctioned. Moreover, the in the campaign whole-heartedly. They Over 1500 hectare watershed area villagers have not forgotten their undertook water conservation and has been developed. Bunds have been mentor, their motivator and hence a watershed area development works. created on 1300 hectare area, 7 farm memorial of Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh They created farm lakes, constructed ponds and 5 concrete dams have is taking shape.  concrete bunds with the financial been constructed. Integrated water Mohan Atalkar

28 May 2012 From Peoples’ Participation to Water Conservation The people's aprticipation in silting mud from dams has helped in increase in water capacity. Despite decrease in the average rainfall this year integrated measures have brought the situation is under control even in the mid-summer. Marathwada covers eight districts, 76 talukas and 8415 villages encompassing 64,813 sq km area.

eople of Maharathwada have set an example how to overcome the Pwater scarcity problem. Even as the entire State is reeling under the scarcity-like situation, most part of Marathwada has taken a heave of sigh. The KT Gate scheme is the reason to feel good. The KT Gate concept implies installing iron gates on the dams to stop water being drained out. The approximate cost for constru­ cting one Kolhapur type-weir is Rs. 15 lakh. In all 2663 Kolhapur type-weir have been constructed. Rs. 413.30 crore were being spent on the dams. However, all the money had gone in vain as in spite of the dams water level in the area had depleted. This concept is being implemented of collectors under the leadership of supplementary water pipeline schemes in Marathwada region for past two Divisional Commissioner are being are undertaken. Rs. 52.87 crore are years. The idea paid off and 4330 tmc held. In April 759 private wells in spent on these works. For new tube water level got increased in the region the region were acquired by the wells alone Rs. 12.71 lakh are spent. On bringing 93,261 acres of land under Government to use the water to tankers Rs. 11.15 crore are incurred. cultivation. supply it through tankers. Last year The money spent on gate fixing was during the period 455 tankers were Sops for Farmers Rs. 139 lakh and all money was shared used to supply water. This year’s Land revenue, electricity bills and by the people. KT Gates were installed situation is better. agriculture loans of farmers from for 1814 dams of the total 2663 dams in People also participated in silting of scarcity-hit area have been given the regions in 2010-2011. This resulted mud from dams. This helped increase­ subsidy by the Government. Nearly in increasing 26282 tmc the water water capacity. Increased water level 150 villages are facing fodder shortage. level as water in the dams was properly has increased irrigated area. The land Worst-hit villages are in Osmanabad saved. brought under cultivation has relieved and Latur. Fodder depots have been Marathwada covers eight districts, 76 the State Government's exchequer’s opened at Panchayat level. Divisional talukas and 8415 villages encompassing burden worth Rs. 139 lakhs. Commissioner has been empowered 64,813 sq km area. The entire region is to sanction water pipeline schemes scarcity-prone as it receives an average Other Measures up to the budget worth Rs. 30 lakh. rainfall of 779 mm throughout the year. The region’s scarcity plan and Water in all irrigation projects has In 2011 the rainfall recorded 655.1 mm integrated action plan has been drawn. been reserved for drinking purpose. amounting to 16 per cent less than the Alongwith tankers, bullock carts are Water management measures are average. also being used, repairs to tube wells being undertaken on continuous A regular review of the natural water are being undertaken, new tube wells basis. Water scarcity measures are has been undertaken. Necessary actions have been approved, repairs of special satisfactory.  have been taken. Video conferences water pipeline schemes are undertaken, Kiran Wagh

May 2012 29 Maharashtra Ahead A Village With No Water Scarcity Pungala, a village in Parbhani district is proud to pronounce that it has ample water. The villagers got charged and pressed into action. Development works like tree plantation, 45 cement bunds, 16 concrete nullahs, 80 earthen structures, 2 mud bunds etc were completed by villagers voluntarily and cooperatively.

n this Infotech Age of fast pace noting happens unless you Imake it happen. Conviction and determination are the key words today. When you make it happen you have to make believe what you are going to do and you should get led by the inner voice. This spiritual thought saved Pungala villagers who have a rich legacy of spirituality as the village is named after a sage, Pingaleshwar who lived there in the ancient times. The villagers are hardcore devotees. There are temples of Lord Ganesh, Maruti and Godess Mainapuri. For the villagers, listening to the inner voice is the simple logic and a relevant philosophy in common man’s life. A happy and prosperous villager once upon a time got deprived of their old glory due to lethargic and slothful attitude developed over the years unwittingly. The village is situated 5 km off Aundh Nagnath Road in Jintur taluka of Parbhani district. Even as the condition was deteriorating the villagers just stood a mute witness. They led go whatever the Nature God had bestowed on them. realized the importance of saving Development works like tree plantation, In the monsoon the villager used to get rainwater. It is important to accumulate 45 cement bunds, 16 concrete nullahs, good rainfall. The rain water used to water in ponds, bunds and dams. The 80 earthen structures, 2 mud bunds etc flow down from the hill area. Rains kept water bodies work as barricades for the were completed by villagers voluntarily on washing away the fertile soil. The soil flowing down through rain water. and cooperatively. contented villagers used to do farming The water percolates in the surrounding These works transformed the on whatever rains they received. The areas making it fertile. village. Now the farmers are growing situation changed over the years. The In 2002 villagers formed the sugarcane, banana, turmeric and farms went barren. Underground water Mritunjay Krishi Vidnyan Vikas Mandal. vegetables. Villagers also developed level went down. Rainfall became less. The organization carried out survey of the physical and social infrastructure like In 2000 the villagers got awakened village and chalked out a development roads, cultural centre, community with the call that was given former plan. It created CCT in the catchment hall, common toilets etc. Pungala has Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil – ‘Pani area over 47.24 hectare. The villagers regained its lost glory again.  Adava, Pani Jirava’. Pungala villagers got charged and pressed into action. Rajendra Sarag

30 May 2012 Watering the Long-term Solutions The Government launches water schemes on war footing to tackle scarcity There are many solutions for dealing with water shortages. Many have been tested and tried. The most cost-effective and common is water conservation, which as a part of several water conservation schemes is being implemented in the State, says Prakash Bal Joshi.

t is irony that Maharashtra, one scarcity situation created due to lack the water table in the State as a whole of the most-advanced States of adequate water creates ripples and has gone down much below expected Iin the country, has been facing affects many aspects of life in rural as level creating situation where scarcity recurring scarcity situations for last well as urban life in the State. Though looms large. four decades despite all out efforts to most of the urban areas are spared from As a result if one studies the data tackle it with short term as well as long drinking water shortage, villages are left available with the various concerned term measures. With climate changes to defend themselves and short term departments of the State Government, becoming more pronounced over the measures like water supply by tankers not only numbers of affected villages and last couple of years as one can really feel are undertaken to provide drinking towns are changing but the area from the difference, the State is facing water water to large number of population. where these affected areas are identified crisis almost every summer. Over the years it has been noticed are also changing as situation changes What is really happening is despite that meticulously planned water dramatically. As one moves away from efforts by authorities which are supply schemes where piped water was the big cities like Mumbai and Pune, sometimes with skewed priorities are provided to smaller towns and villages women standing in queue to collect not having desired effects in resolving from a water source, over the years, the water is a familiar picture. As a result, the issues. One of the prominent scheme has become redundant as water the authorities have to keep on updating reasons is the drying up of water source has either dried down or do not data on water supply position and water resources on which water management possess adequate storage to quench reservoirs year on year and then plan was planned. It is now becoming clear thirst of many. In many areas where measures to tackle water crisis. that scarcity conditions are perennial water table was quite closer to surface As per the Government figures, 70 and cannot be dwelt on the basis of one- has dwindled further making wells per cent of the State’s villages (around time settlement as several factors affect non-dependable. Same is the case with 27,600 villages), water is not available the situation. tube-wells which are life line for much within 500 meters. These figures keep Water scarcity is one aspect, but difficult terrain. So what is happening is on changing depending on completion

May 2012 31 Maharashtra Ahead

of new schemes and some old schemes becoming redundant. The water level has also gone down 15 meters below ground level. In many cases water is not potable and has to be either treated or brought from nearby places by tankers or other forms using piped supply. In many cases if natural slope is not available them water has to pump using power which makes the scheme costly and gets affected in the days of load shedding and power cuts. It is unfortunate that over half of the rural households in the State do not get safe and ensured drinking water supply as per the human development report of Maharashtra published in year 2002. The Government has spent huge many regions. has to be achieved in Marathwada and funds for generating water resources The Western Ghats and Konkan Vidarbha region. Mere construction for giving relief to such perennial water receive heavy rainfall but most of of dams on rivers is not going to solve crisis areas during last decades but it the water flows down to Arabian Sea the issue as much more micro level has been quite frustrating that schemes while only 5 per cent of water is stored planning and change in crop pattern launched a decade before are becoming and used. In the rain shadow areas, and implementation of new techniques redundant nullifying effect of new rainfall drops down and as we move for dry farm land are used in a massive schemes being launched. Vulnerability towards Vidarbha it falls back to 1400 way. to dry conditions elicits water reliability mm a year. There is a need to take an overall to be of the utmost value to water Former Chief Minister Vasantdada review of water resources and water consumers in the State. Patil had suggested a very simple supply management in the State. The The Government launches schemes principle for tackling the situation – State has to plan for requirement on war footings to tackle with the “Pani Adava, Pani Jirava “(stop water, of water for irrigation, industry and scarcity situations by pushing into percolate water). His rustic wisdom drinking purpose and make provision service tankers to service water told him that unless and until common for such consumption. The scarcity of starved villages and even part of urban people are involved and allowed to take water is an issue that cannot be tackled population and almost Rs.100 crores some initiative at their level, situation only at the Government institution are spent yearly on tanker supply cannot improve. His idea was simple, level but the participation of people schemes. The State also seeks Central along with building big and medium at various levels, their organizations, Government’s financial support for dams, let people take initiatives and Panchayat committees are essential tackling the situation. construct small dams at village level and part of the overall planning. The scarcity of water creates poor even take initiative for soil conservation The State has not been able to sanitation situations leading to health at their own farms by using natural flow utilize the stored water properly as problems putting strain on medical of water during rainy season. Much has construction of canal network in facilities in rural and urban areas. The been done and much can be achieved if command area has remained very main sources of livelihood in the State is the idea is implemented systematically slow and inadequate. The Maharashtra agriculture as 55 per cent of population by involving people in form of a mass Water and Irrigation Commission lives in villages and water scarcity movement. constituted by the Government of affects them very badly. Due to geological conditions and Maharashtra in 1995 have estimated What should be done to improve rain pattern, there is a limit to which that out of the State’s total cultivable the water supply situation and avoid available land can be brought under land area of 22.54 million hectares, 8.5 recurring scarcity situations year after irrigation system in the State. The First million hectares can be brought under year? So many studies and commissions Irrigation Commission of Maharashtra, surface irrigation. The area brought have been appointed to suggest ways constituted in 1962, estimated that only under surface irrigation in Maharashtra to tackle the situation but even before 30 per cent of the State’s total cultivable is only 3.86 million hectares leaving a suggestions are implemented, situation area can be brought under surface and vast scope for further improvement. changes and gets worst. As a result vast groundwater irrigation. Apart from augmenting water tract of cultivable land still depend on Despite successful projects in supply position, the State agriculture rainfall which is scanty and uneven in Krishna Valley over the years, much also needs overhaul and new direction

32 May 2012 to cope up with the new opportunities. remained very lack lustered leading along with modern agriculture It is rather difficult to persuade farmers to waste of water. In fact groundwater techniques are adopted. to adopt changes in cropping pattern is the main source of water for There are many solutions for and take new kind of crops but time has irrigation in Maharashtra as the dealing with water shortages. Many come when farmers should think before surface water from canals and have been tested and tried. The most taking crops which require more water. tanks accounts for around 21 per cost-effective and common is water The Government appointed experts cent and 14 per cent respectively of conservation which as a part of several committee has identified paddy and the State’s net irrigated area. The water conservation schemes is being sugarcane as two crops which should be groundwater, drawn from bore wells implemented in the State. We have allowed in controlled manner but it will using pumps, accounts for around not given much attention to other require tremendous political will power 60 per cent of the net irrigated area. viable methods which exists and help to bring in such change in cropping There are many watershed areas in to solve the situation. Desalination, pattern. the State which are over exploited and reclaimed water usage, and cloud The political pressure also force the the water table sinks further down in seeding are some of the other water authorities to start many new projects the areas. The banks have been asked shortage solutions. However, such while many remain incomplete at not to give loan for bore wells in over programmes also have issues related various stages and as we are well exploited areas. Unless there is over all with environment and climatic changes. aware that thin and scattered irrigation planning for utilization of underground Maharashtra has large sea shore and facilities result in less achievement. water sources, there is going to be a desalination process could be tried in According a survey, the reduction in difficult situation in the future in the many places. storage capacity of many dams and State. Under such situation, unless Sea water desalination appears to be wells is due to silting which has to be surface water resources are developed, the perfect answer to water shortages, tackled at war footing. The authorities groundwater-based agriculture will not after all, one we have more ocean than are encouraging new techniques and sustain for a longer time, water quality our surface and underground water methods like lake tapping to ensure will be affected due to percolation of resources. However, the process of enhanced storage capacity. fertilizers and chemicals used on farm desalination is extremely expensive The plan outlay for irrigation and and many villages will be deserted for and building new desalination plants is huge investment in the sector has to want of potable water. very time-consuming. We can check up be monitored closely to ensure desired Maharashtra is drought-prone viability of such desalination projects in results along with ensuring new mainly because of the inherent gulf countries. investments in dams in the State. This geographical factors large number of Recycled water is another viable also requires political will as scarce cultivable land still depends on vagaries option in case of serious water shortages. water and financial resources are sought of monsoon. As one third of the State Recycled water is wastewater that has after by each and every region. There receives scanty and erratic rainfall, it been treated and had contaminants are number of stories behind many has remained drought-prone despite all removed. Use of such recycled water irrigation projects where generations out efforts on irrigation front. for household purpose is accepted all have fought to shift the location of the There is a need to take this harsh over the world except the use of such project on political rather than technical fact into account and devise a long water for drinking purpose. There is a ground and the State exchequer suffered term policy with totally new and big demand to use recycled water for all heavily. innovative approach. Involvement of outdoor purposes to save drinking water Maharashtra is the first State in people is central to develop such a long- which is wasted in outdoor usages. The the country to introduce legislation to term drought mitigation policy. This only problem with the suggestion is check groundwater exploitation. But is possible only if rational equitable again high cost of such projects and unfortunately its implementation has distribution of water is undertaken their maintenance. 

May 2012 33 Maharashtra Ahead Need to Augment Irrigation Coverage The Barve Commission proved instrumental in accelerating the development of major irrigation projects all over the State It is now the need of the hour to bring these drought-prone talukas into the mainstream of development. Dilip Chaware says one requirement is changing the mindset of the people living the rain shadow regions. They need to be persuaded to change the crop pattern, imbibe the latest techniques of water management and the use of fertilizers.

34 May 2012 lthough the irrigation capacity of Maharashtra has shown some Aimprovement, it is still far short of the national irrigation average of all the States. According to the Economic Survey 2011-12 of Maharashtra, while the national average is 45.3%, it is recorded as 17.7% for Maharashtra. The Survey says it is 17.9% provisional. Still, taking any approach, the inescapable inference is that Maharashtra has to take quantum steps to enhance its irrigation capacity and coverage. At the recently concluded State-level seminar, “Maharashtra: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” various erudite speakers highlighted the need to adopt innovative measures to combat the water scarcity situation across the State. Quoting the Barve Commission report and other documents, they pointed out that not more than 30% of the area under crops can come under irrigation through various projects. Water conservation Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg). Maharashtra Irrigation Commission and drip or sprinkler systems of • Red alluvial soil (Mainly Chandrapur, (1999) before making this estimate. irrigation were another aspect on which Gadchiroli and Wardha). It will be educative to review the most speakers urged the Government to • Jambhi soil (Satara, Kolhapur, parts of efforts made by the Government to make their use increasingly. Governor, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg). enhance irrigation capacity. Shri K. Sankaranarayanan, too, has • Alluvial soil (Bhima, Krishna, underscored the need to tackle the Panchganga and Tapi river basins). Maharashtra State situation urgently. All these and relevant • Black Regur soil (almost 75% of total Irrigation (Barve) factors were brought to the notice of area). Commission, 1962 Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, • Clay Soil (north-east Maharashtra, The Maharashtra State Irrigation by an all-party delegation led by Shri Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli Commission was established under Chavan in Delhi. and Chandrapur). the Chairmanship of S. G. Barve on 7 A glance at the history of Nearly 85% of farming activity December 1960 to suggest the ways and Maharashtra reveals that the irrigation in Maharashtra depends upon the means for the development of water capacity was a mere 6.5% at the vagaries of the monsoon. Therefore, it is resources in the State. The commission time of the formation of the State on imperative that every drop that rains is presented its report in 1962. 1 May 1960. Now that the State is stored and utilized most economically. half a century old, there is a need to To ensure remunerative farming, it The salient features were objectively review its achievements in is necessary to bring as much land as • Estimation of the availability of various sectors. As water and power are possible under irrigation. Needless to total water resources, actual use and the most essential services required by say, preserving the ecological balance amount of land that can be brought a population, it is only natural to expect should be given top priority. under irrigation. that the authorities pay more attention The possible potential increase in • A concrete plan for equitable to their development. As far as water irrigation in Maharashtra can reach a distribution of water in future and to is concerned, the scarcity occurs every maximum of 126 lakh hectares.Factors provide protection during periods of few years in Maharashtra. Its intensity like the availability of water, the extent shortages. Maintenance and repairs of is more in Western Maharashtra, which of cultivable land, the natural increase irrigation projects. is supposedly the most developed in the level of sub-soil water, the region of the State. increase in this level resulting from The key recommendations were Maharashtra can be development of backwater areas, the • Wells as means of irrigation where it is classified as below in use of modern irrigation techniques and impossible to have flow irrigation. terms of its agriculture an improvement in watering techniques • Establishment/relocation of industries • The alluvial Konkan coastline (Thane, in agriculture were evaluated by the requiring more water where abundant

May 2012 35 Maharashtra Ahead

projects having a capacity of over 60000 hectares. • All such bodies should publish an account of expenses regarding supervision and maintenance every year. • Impose ceiling on land ownership immediately in the areas benefiting from irrigation projects. • Start using the block irrigation system in Vidarbha to increase the use of water in rabbi season. • Impose water tax on farmers to encourage use of water by the method of volume-measurement. • 25% expenses in irrigation programme to be shared by the beneficiaries. • Strict policies about recovering water taxes.

water is available. Such beneficiary lands should be Dandekar Committee • Duration for completing an taxed. to identify Regional irrigation project 8 years from the • Establish an authority to keep track Backlog, 1984 commencement of actual construction of the availability and use of water The key recommendations of this or 5 years from the actual start of resources on a permanent basis. Committee were: irrigation. • Identify irrigation-related backlog of • Daily water needs of rural population Eight-monthly Water Use all the districts. in areas where canals or furrows pass Committee, 1979 • Use the concept of Rabbi Equivalent should be considered. (Deuskar, Deshmukh, Dandekar Area to count the irrigated region • The Government should undertake Committee, 6 July 1978 to 14 February covered by different crops by the responsibility of rehabilitating the 1979) method of an equal index. project affected people. The Barve Commission proved • A committee to review irrigation The Committee made the instrumental in accelerating the policies every 10-15 years. following key recommendations: development of major irrigation • One-third of the available water projects all over the State. The Koyna The Drought-prone Areas resources should be used for Kharif project is justly called a boon for Fact-finding (Sukhtankar) crops and two-thirds should be used the industrial development of Committee, 1973 for Rabi and Summer Crops. Maharashtra. Besides irrigating large This Committee was appointed • The distribution of available water areas, it also added to the installed against the backdrop of the severe from irrigation projects should be power generation capacity of the drought during 1972-74. Its key proportionate with the cultivable land State. The first major scarcity jolt was recommendations were: availing benefits from the project. received in 1965-66 when 23 out of • 83 talukas to be declared drought- • Farmers in the areas benefiting from 26 districts were declared scarcity- prone. the project should be free to choose affected. This included 16151 villages • Soil and water conservation activities crops, after deciding the definite in various regions of Maharashtra. The to aim at the integration of backwater quantity of water to be allotted to most grueling situation experienced areas. them. in the State was between 1970 • Educating the people in backwater and 1973. Out of 35800 villages, areas about soil and water Irrigation Management nearly 25500 were under the grip of conservation. Authority Committee, 1981: the scarcity. The conditions were so • Social afforestation programmes to be (Chairman – Shri Suresh bad that the leadership promptly undertaken in small-scale irrigation Jain) accepted the Employment Guarantee sector. Its key recommendations include: Scheme conceived by veteran • Promote drip irrigation. • Set up an autonomous institution for Gandhian leader V.S.Page. It is now • Improve the quality of land in areas effective use of water resources. Form adopted by the Centre with some that benefit from irrigation projects. an autonomous body for irrigation modifications.

36 May 2012 In 1973, the Sukthankar Committee district as a unit. According to the Superintending Engineers of minor appointed by the Government toured advocates of this demand, the statistics irrigation projects in Pune, Aurangabad, many affected areas and considered for a district and for a taluka should Amravati and Nashik. The committees various factors like the rainfall in be considered on a different footing. will cover Western Maharashtra, individual areas, frequency of rains, This will show, they argue, that many Marathwada, Vidarbha and North capacity of lands to hold moisture, talukas in Western Maharashtra are Maharashtra regions. They will study density of population, land revenue as or even more undeveloped than the ground situation in drought-hit and similar situations in the past. This their counterparts in Vidarbha and districts and suggest temporary and Committee, too, stressed the need to Marathwada. long-term schemes that need to be develop major and medium irrigation It is now the need of the hour to undertaken. The condition this year projects. bring these drought-prone talukas is quite severe in Pune, Satara, Sangli, All these efforts paid off and the area into the mainstream of development. Solapur, Latur, Osmanabad, Amravati, under irrigation showed a spectacular The lop-sided picture presented by Buldhana, Nagpur, Gondia, Gadchiroli, rise. However, the scarcity situation Maharashtra today does not convey Nashik, Ahmednagar, Dhule and for three years starting from 1984 a positive image. One requirement is Nandurbar districts. affected over 23400 villages. This changing the mindset of the people As an immediate measure, the prompted the Government to appoint living the rain shadow regions. They Maharashtra Government has launched a Committee under then Minister, Dr need to be persuaded to change the comprehensive efforts to provide V.Subramaniam on 5 March 1984. The crop pattern, imbibe the latest succour to farmers, allocating Rs 150 15-member Committee submitted its techniques of water management and crore and has asked its officials to report on 31 March 1987. Its principal the use of fertilizers. Afforestation, constantly monitor relief works. As recommendation was that 84 talukas fodder cultivation, horticulture, part of these measures, the State in the State should be declared sericulture, poultry and dairy Government would provide an permanently drought-prone. The development, fish production and assistance of Rs 8000 per hectare to recommendation covered many talukas animal husbandry should become small and medium grape, pomegranate, in the supposedly advanced Solapur, their allied activities so that the land is orange and sweet lime cultivators Sangli and Satara districts. covered by vegetation and they derive whose holdings are not over two hectares. Rs 80 will be paid to farmers Satara district Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm for each big animal, in place of 1960 1971 1987 2011 earlier Rs 40. For small animals, the Maan 399 232 267.66 225 assistance will be Rs.40 in place of Khatav 438 351 345 373 Rs 20 for providing them fodder and Khandala 319 136 217 230 cattle sheds. Electricity and water Phaltan 365 388 238 242 connections discontinued due to non- Sangli district Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm payment of dues will be reinstated. 1960 1971 1987 2011 There are 6201 villages where the Miraj 449 335 238 371 kharif yield is below 50 paise and 1552 Jath/Kavthe Mahankal 373 206 288 284 villages where the rabi yield is below 50 Tasgaon 436 429 398 371 paise this year. Khanapur/Atpadi 391 370 239 249 However, one has to remember Solapur district Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm Rainfall mm the Union Government’s stand on 1960 1971 1987 2011 drought relief norms. The Centre Mangalvedha 465 363 295 309 has ruled out any change in norms Mohol 370 87 274 396 till 2015. Union Minister of State for Karmala 190 121 259 398 Agriculture, Shri Harish Rawat, said in the Rajya Sabha that the norms The above table shows how the additional income. All this will become were based on the recommendations rainfall has remained more or less possible only after water is made of the 13th Finance Commission. static in these talukas over the past five available to them round the year. “The Finance Commission is an decades : The Maharashtra Government has independent organisation ....For There has been a persistent demand now set up four committees to study changing the norms, we will have to in Maharashtra Legislature that the scope of water conservation works wait till 2015,” he said. taluka should be held as a unit for in drought-hit districts as part of the In view of this, the only alternative planning purposes and even for relief measures being undertaken by available to Maharashtra is to devise the computing the developmental backlog. the administration. The three-member steps to reach water in each nook and The Dandekar Committee had held committees will be headed by the corner of the State. 

May 2012 37 MaharashtraMaharashtra Ahead Ahead The GROUND Realities Over 50 per cent irrigation in the State is through groundwater, even industries prefer groundwater for its uniform temperature Maharashtra is one of the few States to enact the Maharashtra Groundwater (Regulation for Drinking Water Purposes) Act, 1993 and subsequent framing of rules in 1995, to regulate the exploitation of groundwater for the protection of Public Drinking water sources, elaborates Director, GSDA K.M. Nagargoje and senior Geologist, Shashank Deshpande

n overwhelming rural population of Maharashtra and Ato some extent urban population is dependent on groundwater for drinking purposes. Earlier, the use of groundwater was insignificant in the State. Subsequent to 1972, the occurrence of frequent droughts, limitations of the availability of surface water, development of low cost drilling device, availability of relatively low-cost institutional finance, and energization have led to proliferation of irrigation wells. More than 50 per cent irrigation in the State is through groundwater and more and more industries now prefer groundwater due to its uniformity in temperature. Increasing population, out- bursting urbanization and growing industrialization have led to more and more exploitation of groundwater to supplement the water supplied though be tackled by proper management of the Availability and Use surface source. The attributes of water resources. The current estimation of groundwater groundwater like universal availability, Reliable statistics in respect of recharge as brought out in the 2008- relatively less vulnerable to pollution, groundwater withdrawal for irrigation 09 report is based on GEC 1997 assured availability during scarcity by wells, bore-wells and tube-wells, methodology. As per this, the total period have led to increasing its and the draft caused is, however, not rechargeable fresh groundwater use. Similarly, there being no legal available. The withdrawals caused by resources in the State are computed as restrictions on the withdrawal of bore-wells and tube-wells, in addition 35.73 BCM and the net ground water groundwater its use has increased in to draft from dug wells also contribute availability is to the tune of 33.80 BCM. many folds. on a large scale to lowering of water The present gross draft for all purpose Due to all these factors the tables. Therefore, the Maharashtra is 17.00 BCM. There are 18.68 lakh groundwater draft has increased over Water and Irrigation Commission abstraction structures being used for the years but the natural groundwater (MWIC, 1999) recommended that irrigation purpose withdrawing 15.91 recharge remained the same. As a result for planning and management it is BCM of groundwater yearly. This of this imbalance the problems like over- necessary to register the wells, bore- includes 16.76 lakh dug wells (with exploitation, progressive water level wells and tube-wells in the State. Mhots and pump sets) withdrawing decline, deterioration of groundwater Similarly it is necessary to consider 14.44 BCM of groundwater and 1.91 quality etc have cropped up and started and estimate the groundwater and lakh bore-wells withdrawing 1.51 BCM adversely affecting the drinking water surface water together and that too on of groundwater. sources within such areas. This needs to watershed/sub-basin basis. Out of 1531 watersheds 73 are over-

38 May 2012 exploited and 3 are critical, where management measures, protecting of this great wealth. The State has groundwater abstraction is more than public drinking water sources and got a duty to protect ground water 90 per cent of the annual recharge to establish the State Groundwater against excessive exploitation and the and either the pre or post-monsoon or Authority, District Level Authority inaction of the State in this regard will both water levels are depleting. Total and Watershed Water Resources tantamount to infringement on the 119 watersheds are in semi-critical Committee to manage and to regulate, right to life guaranteed under Article 21 category, where stage of groundwater with community participation, the of the Constitution of India. The Apex development is between 70 to 90 per exploitation of groundwater within the Court has repeatedly held that the right cent and the pre and post-monsoon State of Maharashtra. to clean air and unpolluted water forms water levels are depleting. In all 4 The very purpose of this legislation is part of the right to life. The local self watersheds are classified as poor quality to honour a recent decision of the High government bodies of Panchayat Raj and rest 1332 watersheds are classified Court in the Coca-Cola case i.e; “Ground and the State Government are bound as safe. water is a national wealth and it belongs to protect ground water from excessive to the entire society. It is nectar, exploitation. The Objective sustaining life on earth. Without water Now there will be one Authority Maharashtra is one of the few States to the earth would be a desert… Our legal in the State for the surface water enact the Maharashtra Groundwater system – based on English common and groundwater. The Maharashtra (Regulation for Drinking Water law – includes the public trust doctrine Water Resources Regulatory Authority Purposes) Act, 1993 and subsequent as part of its jurisprudence. The State established by the Maharashtra Water framing of rules in 1995, to regulate is the trustee of all natural resources Resources Regulatory Authority Act the exploitation of groundwater for the which are by nature meant for public 2005 will act as the State Groundwater protection of Public Drinking water use and enjoyment. Public at large is the Authority in the State. The ‘State sources. beneficiary of the sea, shore, running Groundwater Authority’ and ‘District With a view to protecting drinking waters, air, forests and ecologically Level Authority’ in consultation water sources on one hand and to fragile lands. The State as a trustee is with Watershed Water Resources promote optimum utilization of under a legal duty to protect the natural Committee, at watershed level, is groundwater based irrigation potential resources. These resources meant for going to manage and regulate in a sustainable manner on the other public use cannot be converted into groundwater in over-exploited hand, the State Government had private ownership. and critical areas of the State. The decided to rebuilt the Maharashtra In view of the above authoritative registration of well owners, rainwater Groundwater (Regulation for drinking statement of the Hon’ble Supreme harvesting for artificial groundwater water purposes), Act 1993 and enact Court, it can be safely concluded recharge, registration of drilling the Maharashtra Groundwater that the underground water belongs rigs, declaration of water scarcity (Development and Management) Bill to the public. The State and its area, prohibition of construction of 2009. instrumentalities should act as trustees a well within the zone of influence, The bill was approved by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 15th October, 2008 and was introduced in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on 15th December 2009. It was under consideration of the Joint Committee of Legislative Assembly and Council. The Joint Committee after detailed deliberations of 16 meetings followed by a field visit to Arawari Jal Sansad of Rajasthan, finalized and submitted the report to the Legislative Assembly. This bill has been unanimously passed in the State Legislative Assembly and Council during March/April 2012 budget session. The objective of the Act is, to facilitate and ensure sustainable and adequate supply of groundwater of prescribed quality, for various category of users, through supply and demand

May 2012 39 Maharashtra Ahead

groundwater use plan coupled with seeking its approval. In order to ensure crop plan and watershed development controlled use of groundwater, the are some of the important provisions MWIC recommended for pumping of the Act. The groundwater will be the groundwater according to the crop treated as a common property resource water requirements and should be and the community will take care of made mandatory. effective management (demand and The Act also provides for formation of supply) of groundwater resources with State Watershed Management Council, the support of the State Government. State Groundwater Authority, District Watershed Management Committees, Legal Provisions Watershed Water Resources Committee As per the provisions made under and Groundwater Surveys and Section 6 and 7 in the Maharashtra Development Agency. All the provisions Groundwater (Regulation for Drinking like, Protection of Public Drinking Water Purpose) Act, 1993, declaration Water Sources, Scarcity Declaration of Over-exploited watershed and and Mitigation, Declaration of Over- subsequently the groundwater Exploited area and prohibition of developmental activities in Over- sinking of wells within these areas, etc, of Exploited and Critical watersheds have Maharashtra Groundwater (Regulation been prohibited. It is mandatory for for Drinking Water Purposes) Act 1993 the District Collector to notify the list have been reincorporated. of villages which are included in Over- For optimum groundwater of the public drinking water sources Exploited and Critical watersheds. recharge the provision of preparation are notified the existing provision of Accordingly the District Collectors and implementation of Integrated 500 m distance is kept as it is. Provision have notified the 1274 villages from Watershed Development and for issuing guidelines for safety of wells 57 talukas of 12 districts. In these Management Plan has been proposed, and the Gram Panchayat or the urban villages the construction of new wells initially in the notified areas and local bodies shall have to monitor it. and energization of existing wells have subsequently in non-notified areas. This Preparation and implementation of been banned. shall be a part of the sub-basin/basin Integrated Watershed Development However, this Act does not provide water plan. Registration of wells, bore- and Management Plan (IWDMP) with the community participation framework wells, tube-wells etc within notified the assistance of Watershed Water and the effective and integrated use of and non-notified areas has been made Resources Committee within the groundwater for different purposes. mandatory. Drilling of deep wells, for notified area, making available the The scope of this legislation is only usages other than drinking purposes, grants for IWDMP through government limited to safeguarding drinking water within the notified and non-notified budgetary procedure, preparation sources. Therefore, this law is silent on areas has been prohibited. of prospective crop plan based on issues such as how much water may Construction of deep wells has been groundwater use plan is mandatory in be withdrawn for irrigation from other banned. Extraction of groundwater notified areas. This plan is binding on all than drinking source wells; or whether from existing wells not more than 60 m the stakeholders and non-observance high water intensive crops be grown in deep within notified areas is prohibited. of the plan shall be deemed to be a overexploited watersheds; or how water Cess imposed on groundwater cognizable offence under this Act. use is to be entailed. There is no even withdrawal from wells not more that WWRC to recommend the regulation restriction under this law on drilling 60 m deep within non notified areas. or prohibition of sand mining within deep bore wells for the purpose of Sale of groundwater within notified the notified areas, Delineation and irrigation. areas is prohibited. Provision of declaration of basic watershed or aquifer, Similarly the issues pertaining rain water harvesting for artificial area of influence of public drinking to mandatory measures of artificial groundwater recharge within the city water sources etc by Groundwater groundwater recharge, drilling of deep areas from notified areas for roofs Surveys and Development Agency. In bore-wells, groundwater quality and higher than 100 sq m made mandatory. non-notified areas Grampachayats their management etc are also missing. The other provisions of the Act are: or Urban Local Bodies to prepare The Maharashtra Water and Irrigation Mandatory provision of registration of and maintain the Water Account and Commission also recommended that for drilling rigs with Groundwater Surveys Groundwater Use Plan. Under offences community ownership of groundwater it & Development Agency, prohibition of and penalties, for first offence fine up to is essential to implement the prohibitive construction of new wells within the Rs.10000/-. For the subsequent offence measures after placing all the facts area of influence of the public drinking imprisonment up to six months or with before the watershed committee and water source. Till the area of influence a fine up to Rs.25000/- or both. 

40 May 2012 Natural Irony A serious thought to artificial rain and conversion of sea water to sweet water is required. Effective water management is cheap and does not necessarily require huge funds. Instead of laying emphasis merely on big dams, there is a need to encourage water management at the micro level. This can be done by ensuring that rain water is not drained away and is instead used either to recharge underground water resources or can be blocked by uses of bunds and small dams says Abhay Mokashi.

has the potential to drastically increase its food production, yet the food stock in the country is not available to the public at large, leading to a great disparity between the demand and supply of food items, resulting in steep increase in prices.

Enough Food Stock India's foodgrain stock with Food Corporation of India (FCI) touched 54.52 million tonnes on 1st March 2012, a rise of 18 per cent compared to 46.01 million tonnes during the same period last year, according to the Union Ministry of Agriculture. Statistics of the Ministry show that the rice stock rose to 33.17 million tonnes and wheat stock to 21.25 million tonnes. Last year, the rice stock was 28.72 million tonnes and that of wheat was 17.15 million tonnes. India was expected to produce 250.42 million tonnes with 102.75 million ndia today is faced with scarcity of the country to plan with an eye on the tonnes of rice and 88.31 million tonnes of water, food, electricity, fossil near and distant future, so that scarcity- of wheat for 2011-12. However, this does Ifuel, healthcare, infrastructure, like situations do not arise. The primary not mean that the food situation would transport, employment and such scarcities in the country are those of improve in anyway. Though we have other thing essential either for water and food; one of the factors for enough buffer stock of foodgrains, the the survival of human beings and the food scarcity is the scarcity of water. prices do not come down, as according animals or for a comfortable lifestyle. Water and air have been grossly abused, to a Kaushik Basu, Chief Economic Unfortunately, the focus, at the considering that both are available Advisor to the Government of India, the mention of the word ‘scarcity’, is only naturally and free, both having being price of wheat in India is 30 per cent on the shortage of food and water, abused, affecting food production, more than the price in the international while the other issues continue to be leading to a shortage of foodgrains. market. neglected, just as the shortage of water Most often the shortage of food and In his paper The Economics of and food was neglected for a long time, water is the effect of bad planning and foodgrains Management in India, Basu which has led to scarcity of both these the exploitative nature of a section of is critical of India’s foodgrain policy. essentials of life. distributors and traders, not to speak He writes, “In the name of helping the Scarcity of food and water in India is of poor planning by different agencies farmer and the consumer and likely of two types - temporary or seasonal and of the government. In fact, food is in even with the earnest intention of perpetual. It is for the decision-makers abundance in the country and India also doing so, we have ended up creating a

May 2012 41 Maharashtra Ahead

foodgrains policy framework that has buffer stock is destroyed every year the PL 480. Under the plan, India not got high marks on either account. due to contamination or consumption could buy foodgrains in the US against Many of India’s poor households do not by rodents, due to inadequate and rupee payment and had to take care of get adequate, nutritious food and many improper storage facilities. This year, the shipment. The money was partly of our farmers remain impoverished, over 17 tonnes of foodgrains are likely to given back to India by the US for especially the small ones with no be wasted due to poor storage facilities. growth of the public sector, while part marketable surplus.” The Supreme Court has suggested to of it was to be used to take care of the the Central Government to distribute American expenditure in India and part Artificial Shortage the surplus foodgrains to the poor, but to American companies wanting to do The Central Government as well as that is not feasible in a market driven business here. the State Governments have policies free economy. The wheat purchased under the and systems for the distribution of Since the foodgrains to be distributed programme was available at a very subsidised foodgrains to the poor and through the PDS are siphoned off, low cost as compared to the price in these schemes are meant to fight the nothing would stop similar elements the Indian market. As a result, the artificial scarcity and shortages that to siphon off the foodgrains, which the Indian farmers, who were badly hit by are created by different elements. But Supreme Court wants to be distributed the imports, decided to reduce acreage the public distribution system (PDS) free to the poor. The same foodgrains under farming, further affecting the has not been able to effectively fight would then come to the open market at a food production in the country. In order the artificial shortages; on the contrary price. No doubt there have to be checks to overcome the food shortage, Prime interested parties have been able to and balances, but merely appointment Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri suggested create shortages with the system. This of officials and agencies to monitor the that Indians should fast for a day every has been pointed out by Reetika Khera, free distribution would not help, unless week or at least avoid the consumption assistant professor in the Department there is basic honesty amongst those of wheat one day a week. The appeal of Humanities and Social Sciences, responsible for such distribution. for fast received good response, but Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi reduction in consumption was not and a visiting scholar at the Centre for International Exploitation the right solution to the problem Development Economics, Delhi School There is no doubt that proper storage of foodgrain shortage. This is what of Economics, in here paper Trends in facilities have to be created by the Indira Gandhi realised and she Diversion of PDS Grains. “Looking at Central as well as State Governments promoted the Green Revolution, the overall proportion of grain diverted, for the storage of foodgrains procured amazingly executed by agro-scientist between 1999-2000 and 2007-8 (i.e. the by them, but it would be dangerous Dr M S Swaminathan. The foodgrain 55th and 64th rounds of the National not to procure foodgrains, till such production increased greatly in the Sample Survey NSS), the situation is far arrangement is made, as that would country and India was able to fight from encouraging. make it difficult for the governments to hunger to a great extent. At the beginning of the period, 24 handle the situations of shortages and India needs to increase its foodgrain per cent of grain was diverted. The scarcity. If storage of foodgrains is left production further, keeping in mind the situation got worse until 2004-5 when only to the private sector, the private rate of growth of the population; at the 54 per cent of grain leaked but since sector could hold the country and the same time it is essential that enough then, there has been a reversal of that people at large to ransom. Even foreign attention is paid to proper storage trend. At the end of the period, 44 per governments could make it difficult and distribution of the foodgrains and cent of PDS grain was diverted at the all for us to import foodgrains from their that there is no hoarding and black India level,” she says in the paper. She countries, by imposing sanctions or marketeering of foodgrains. The other also points out that 67 per cent of the restrictions, if those governments do not major scarcity in the country is that of wheat meant for delivery to the poor agree with our policy. When Bangladesh water and this is more severe than food does not reach them. “The discussion wanted to import foodgrains from the scarcity, in some parts. Water scarcity, on methodological issues, including US during the time of the famine of 1974, which affects animals too, can be said the fact that all leakages (storage and the US government refused permission to be human creation. Unplanned transport losses included) have to be for on the grounds that Bangladesh had exploitation of water, especially ground attributed to corrupt practices, indicates trade relations with Cuba, to which the water and failure to plan for the storage that estimates of diversion estimated US was opposed. of water are the main causes of the acute in this manner, must be treated as the India too was exploited by the US water scarcity in the country. upper bound on illegal diversion of PDS under the Public Law 480, popularly Water scarcity affects one in three grain,” she adds. known as PL 480, during the 50s people on every continent of the globe. The buffer stock with the Government and 60s. India, facing an acute food The situation is getting worse as needs is far above the statutory stock that is to shortage at the time, fell an easy prey for water rise along with population be maintained and a large part of this to the US food aid programme under growth, urbanization and increase

42 May 2012 Agricultural production in the country has been greatly affected due to water scarcity. Such a situation also encourages people to irrigate their fields with water that has either been contaminated with chemicals and heavy metals, due to industrial waste. Sewage water is often used for cultivation of vegetables, as seen along the railway tracks of Mumbai. Use of such water leads to diseases and the use of chemicals leads to deposition of heavy metals in the agriculture produce which could be carcinogenic. Effective water management is cheap and does not necessarily require huge funds. Instead of laying emphasis merely on big dams, there is a need to encourage water management at the micro level. in household and industrial uses. A in the absence of controls from the This can be done by ensuring that rain large section of the Indian population government. If the ground water water is not drained away and is instead is deprived of sufficient water, with resources are exploited without used either to recharge underground people in some geographical areas recharging them annually, the water resources or can be blocked by suffering from perennial water underground water table is bound to uses of bunds and small dams. People shortage. The scarcity of water cannot go down, turning the area arid. The need to be encouraged to conserve be attributed to less rainfall, but to situation is graver in coastal areas, water, reducing wastage. poor water management. According to where there is a fear of sea water There is a need to give serious water management experts, even an seeping in, with the reduction in the thought to artificial rain and conversion annual rainfall of 400 mm is sufficient underground water table. This would of sea water to sweet water on a large to provide water to a given area, with affect vegetation, due to the salinity of scale, given that over 90 per cent of the proper management. the underground water. Mumbai faces water available on the earth is saline. such a threat due to the commercial Our failure to handle the food and The Natural Irony exploitation of underground water. water situation can be attributed to According to World Business Council Lack of sufficient water, not only the lack of vision of the decisions Sustainable Development’s Water and dehydrates the body, but also leads to makers at all levels. Also, the lopsided Sustainable Development Programme unhygienic living conditions, resulting planning, with emphasis on the urban water scarcity occurs even in areas in spread of diseases. Water scarcity development, at the cost of rural areas where there is plenty of rainfall or means people cannot bathe or clear has also resulted in such shortages. The freshwater. How water is conserved, their clothes, utensils or homes. It also pipelines carrying water to Mumbai, for used and distributed in communities, forces people to rely on unsafe sources example, go through villages in Thane and the quality of the water available of drinking water leading to risks of district, which do not suffer from water can determine if there is enough to meet diarrheal diseases as cholera, typhoid shortage. The situation has become the demands of households, farms, fever and dysentery and other water- grave and we are yet to wake up to industry and the environment. borne infections. Water scarcity can handle it properly. The organisation states that almost lead to diseases such as trachoma (an India suffers from other scarcities one fifth of the world's population eye infection that can lead to blindness), like electricity, fuel, employment and (over 1.2 billion people) live in areas plague and typhus. the like. It is time that these scarcities where the water is physically scarce. People use unhygienic methods are also looked into instead of merely One quarter of the global population for storage of water in areas of water talking of food and water scarcity. also live in developing countries that scarcity Water scarcity encourages Unless we start planning to handle these face water shortages due to a lack of people to store water in their homes, scarcities immediately, the situation infrastructure to fetch water from rivers increasing the risk of household water would go out of hand and could lead to and aquifers. contamination and provides breeding increase in violence in the society. The underground water table in grounds for mosquitoes, which are Sufficient availability of electricity many parts of the country is depleting carriers of dengue fever, malaria and means increased production, increased due to irrational drawing of water, other diseases. jobs and an increase in the GDP. 

May 2012 43 Maharashtra Ahead A Raj Bhavan File Unravels Events of the Historic Day Raj Bhavan is a repository of documents of historic importance The State of Maharashtra came into existence at the stroke of midnight connecting 30th April and 1st May 1960. The historic ceremony of inauguration of Maharashtra took place at Raj Bhavan which had the responsibility to host the State formation ceremony, the programme had the touch of discipline, deco- rum, meticulous planning and of course protocol. There was an air of excitement all over says Umesh Kashikar, Public Relations Officer to Governor.

aj Bhavan, formerly known as ‘Inauguration of the State of the following words: Government House was the seat Maharashtra’ numbered A-202 (A) 3. (1) As from the appointed day, that Rof power before Independence. classified in the Raj Bhavan archives, for is 1 May 1960, there shall be formed a new After independence, it became the instance, reveals a range of less known State to be known as the State of Gujarat office and residence of Governor – the events that preceded, accompanied comprising the following territories of Constitutional Head of State, - first or followed the inauguration of the State of Bombay, namely:- of the Bombay State and post - 1960, Maharashtra at the stroke of midnight (a) Benaskantha, Mehsana, that of the Governor of Maharashtra. on 30th April 1960. The article takes the Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Kaira, Not surprisingly, Raj Bhavan is a reader through the pages of this file and Panch-mahals, Baroda, Broach, Surat, repository of documents of historic narrates the incidents associated with Dangs, Amreli, Surendranagar, Rajkot, importance. the formation of Samyukta (unified) Jamnagar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Thanks to the initiative of Governor Maharashtra from the very place where Kutch district; and K Sankaranarayanan, an Archives it all happened. (b) the villages in Umbergaon Cell has been created in Raj Bhavan The State of Maharashtra came taluka of Thana district, the villages to preserve all important documents. into existence on 1st May 1960 after a in Nawapur and Nandurbar talukas of Under the Archives project, documents of sustained struggle by the Samyukta West Khandesh district and the villages historic importance are being retrieved, Maharashtra Samiti led by a battery in Akkalkuwa and Taloda talukas of reorganized, classified and digitized of eminent leaders. The people of West Khandesh district, respectively under the guidance of a Committee of Maharashtra can never forget the specified in Parts I, II and III of the First experts headed by renowned historian supreme sacrifice of the 105 martyrs Schedule. Sadashiv Gorakshkar. The Archives who laid down their lives for the cause After defining what the new Gujarat Cell likely to be commissioned by of creation of Samyukta Maharashtra. State would constitute, the Act goes on the end of this year will remain On 21st April 1960, the Lok Sabha to define Maharashtra in just two lines… accessible to researchers, students passed the bill proposing division of “and thereupon, the (above) said and historians after prior permission. the bigger bilingual State of Bombay. territories shall cease to form part of the In the first phase, documents from the It would be interesting to note how State of Bombay, and the residuary year 1935 onwards are being classified Maharashtra was defined in the Bombay State of Bombay shall be known as after which the Committee will dig Reorganization Act published on 25th the State of Mahasrashtra. deeper into the history and restore April 1960. The State of Maharashtra came into documents prior to 1935. It is hoped existence at the stroke of midnight that access to these documents will ‘Maharashtra’ Defined connecting 30th April and 1st May throw new light on many events of Before defining Maharashtra, Part II of 1960 on Vaisakha 11, Saka 1882. The historic significance. the Reorganization of Bombay State has historic ceremony of inauguration of The file on the subject first defined the contours of Gujarat in Maharashtra took place at Raj Bhavan in

44 May 2012 presence of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Reply from the Government came the request to convey whether the Minister of India, Sri Prakasa, Governor rather late. In a letter dated 27th proposals meet with the approval of of Maharashtra and Yashwantrao April 1960, the Special Secretary of the Governor. The Governor’s approval Chavan, the Chief Minister. the Political and Services Department to the proposals was conveyed to the Government on the same date 27th April 1960.

Resignation of Y. B. Chavan One major political development preceded the formation of Maharashtra. By a letter of 26th April addressed to Governor Sri Prakasa, , Chief Minister Y B Chavan tendered the resignation of his council of ministers. Chavan wrote: “Owing to the coming into force of the Bombay Reorganization Act, 1960, on the 1st of May 1960, and the constitution of the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra with effect from that date, I Pt Nehru presses the button to unveil the map of Maharashtra at Raj Bhavan on 1 May 1960 herewith submit, for your consideration and acceptance the resignation of my Since Raj Bhavan had the respon- of the Government D R Pradhan, colleagues and myself, who constitute sibility to host the State Formation ICS informed the Governor’s office the present Council of Ministers of your ceremony, the programme had the touch that the following programmes have State.” of discipline, decorum, meticulous been organized by the Government as Chavan concludes his letter to planning and of course protocol. part of the inauguration of the State of Governor with the words: “May I, on this There was an air of excitement Maharashtra: occasion, voice the deep and heart-felt all over about the formation of i) Inauguration of the New State by the gratitude of my colleagues and myself Maharashtra. Newspapers were giving Prime Minister at Raj Bhavan on the for the inspiration and guidance you updates of various events relating to 30th April 1960 at midnight. provided us in the task of administering the formation of the new State. In ii) Police Parade at the State.” anticipation of organization of various the Brabourne Stad-ium on the 1st The Governor while acknowledging official functions connected to the May 1960 at 8.00 a.m. the letter from Mr Chavan informed main event, the Governor’s office wrote iii) Swearing-in Ceremony of the him that he would be accepting the to the State Government in the first Ministry at the Sachivalaya, at 12.34 resignation from the midnight between week of April seeking to know what pm on the 1st May 1960. 30 April and 1 May, 1960. The Governor all programmes the Government was further asked Mr Chavan to carry on planning to celebrate the formation of Soft Drinks, Cashew Nuts, etc the work of the Government of the Maharashtra. One paragraph from Special Secretary new State of Maharashtra that will Secretary to the Governor K K D R Pradhan’s letter to the Governor’s then come into existence, till such Moghe, IAS in a letter of 4th April 1960 Secretary is worth reproducing here: time that a Ministry is formed for the addressed to State Chief Secretary N T “It is proposed to invite a large purpose. Mone, ICS wrote: and distinguished gathering to “It is understood that the Government witness the ceremonies both at Raj Heralding the arrival of is planning to have celebrations Bhavan and the Sachivalaya. After the Prime Minister extending over 3 to 4 days in connection inauguration ceremony at Raj Bhavan Meanwhile, Under Secretary in the with the inauguration of new State of is over, it is proposed that the invitees Political and Services Department Maharashtra on 1st of May 1960. In should be served with soft drinks, of the Government, D S Telang order to facilitate making Governor’s cashew nuts etc. In the past such issued a general circular carrying the programmes for the last week of occasions, arrangements for serving ‘Immediate/ Confidential’ tag giving April, I shall be glad if details the soft drinks etc. were made by minute by minute details of the Prime regarding these celebrations are sent to Raj Bhavan. I am therefore to Minister’s visit to ‘Bombay’ on the me for the information of the Governor request that on this occasion also 30th April and 1st May 1960. Some as soon after they are finalized as you may kindly make the necessary of the important entries in the Prime possible.” arrangements.” The letter ends with Minister’s itinerary were as follows:

May 2012 45 Maharashtra Ahead

Ministry of Home Affairs have agreed Cynowicz, R D Bhandare, H R Mahajani, Saturday, 30th April 1960 to the firing of a Gun Salute of 17 guns G G Gawde, T V Ramanujam and 12.50 - Arrive Santacruz by IAF Viscount on the morning of 1st May 1960 in Prof Ram Panjwani Director of State 13.00 - Leave for Raj Bhavan celebration of the inauguration of the Government’s Publicity Department 13.45 to 17.30 - Reserved for Lunch, State of Maharashtra. I am therefore Binod Rao was the Convenor of the meeting with Visitors, Tea, etc to request you kindly to take necessary Committee. 18.00 to 18.45 - Address a Mass Rally steps immediately to arrange to fire a 17 at Shivaji Park Gun Salute at 0800 hours on Sunday, Let Celebrations begin! 19.15 to 20.15 - Address a Mass Rally at Chowpatty the 1st May 1960 from a suitable spot. The Director of Publicity had published 20.25 - Arrival at Raj Bhavan Please let me know the arrangements a booklet giving details of the 5-day 23.30 - Inauguration of made by you in this respect to enable us long cultural and official programmes Maharashtra State to give suitable publicity in the matter.” organized between 27 April and 1 May Sunday, May 1st 1960 1960. 00.10 - Leave for Santacruz Unrestricted Flying of According to the booklet, the 01.00 - Departure for London National Flag for 5 days Celebrations commenced at 7.30 am On 26th April 1960, the Political and on the morning of 27 April at Home Chief Secretary appeals Staff Services Department of Sachivalaya Guards Ground at Cross Maidan (Dhobi to report to work on Sunday dispatched a Telegram to All Divisional Talao) with the chanting of Community When it came to the notice of the Commissioners and District Collectors prayers by representatives of different Government that 1st May 1960 was of Maharashtra which stated: religions. Sunday, a public holiday and that all “Government of India have agreed The detailed programme shows offices would remain close, an appeal to unrestricted flying of National Flag Vedic hymns were chanted by Shri was issued by the State Chief Secretary from April 27 to May 1 in Maharahstra Vasudev Shastri Konkar and party, Shri on 23 April asking the Government State and Hoisting of National Flag if Yadnygam Dixit and party and Shri staff to report to work on Sunday. The accompanied by ceremonial parade. Veni Madhav Shastri and Party. Circular reads: Please arrange communicate these Ovis from Jnaneshwari and Abhangs “The State of Maharashtra will be orders to all concerned and give wide from Saint Tukaram’s Gatha were sung inaugurated on the 1st of May 1960, publicity.” by Suresh Haldankar. Hafiz Ahmed which being a Sunday is a public Khan and Madhubala Javeri (Chawla) holiday. The Government offices Maharashtra State sung Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite would, therefore, be closed on that Celebrations Committee bhajan ‘Vaishnava Jana To’. day. The Government, however, feels A high level Committee that it would be inappropriate and was constituted to incongruous also that on the day of organize the Maharashtra the installation of the new State, no State Inauguration official business should be transacted. Celebrations in a befitting It, therefore, desires to appeal to all manner. Shri Y B Chavan Government employees serving under was the President of the the Maharashtra State to attend their Committee while Shri V N respective offices as if it were a working Desai, Mayor of Bombay day. It is not necessary that the normal was its Chairman. working hours should be observed. It Members of the would be desirable to observe, however, Committee were the opening time of the offices. The Sarvashri S L Silam, Y undersigned is directed to issue an A Fazalbhoy, S M Joshi, appeal to all offices accordingly.” Bhanushankar S Yagnik, Invitation Card of Community Prayers Meeting His Eminence Valerian Firing a 17 Gun Salute Cardinal Gracias, H P Mody, J C Jain, Likewise representatives of Jains, A communiqué addressed by the State’s Ramnath A Podar, B D Garware, Buddists, Islam, Zoroastrians, Jew, Sikh Special Secretary D R Pradhan to Moinuddin Harris, A K Hafizka, and Christians - both Roman Catholic Brigadier Kamta Prasad, Commander, P K Sawant, Homi J H Taleyarkhan, and Protestant - read out prayers and Bombay Sub Area, the copy of which was Dr T R Naravane, Pratapsinh hymns from their Holy books. forwarded to the Governor’s Secretary Mathuradas, Smt Sumati S Morarjee, Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan makes for an interesting reading. The C M Campbell, P T Borale, S G Patkar, felicitated the heads of religions by communiqué reads thus: Smt Meenakshi Bakhle, Smt Sophia offering them Shawl. “The Government of India in the Wadia, Smt H C Captain, Shri H The second important programme

46 May 2012 on the 27th April was Shiv Jayanti programme were also placed in the life of Shivaji Maharaj and the history Celebrations held at 4 pm at Shivneri Fort newspapers to elicit good response from of Maharashtra. The procession waded at Junnar, the birthplace of Chhatrapati the people. its way to Shivaji Park. Prime Minister Shivaji Maharaj. A beautiful statue Cultural programmes depicting Jawaharlal Nehru acknowledged the of Balraje Shivaji and Jeejamata was the life and traditions of Maharashtra greetings of lakhs of people assembled unveiled by Chief Minister Yashwantrao and other parts of the country were on this occasion. Mr Nehru appealed Chavan at a programme organized by organized at Oval Maidan and Nare to the people to serve Samyukta Bharat the Shri Shivchhatrapati Smarak Samiti Park at 7 pm and 8.20 pm respectively through Samyukta Maharashtra. on 28th April. One of the highlights Mass Rally Chowpatty, 7.15 p.m. of the programme • Ovi ‘Majha Marathachi Bolu Kavatike’ of Dnyaneshwar presented by Vasant at Oval Maidan Desai was Classical • Maharashtra Geet presented by Vasant Dance by Wahida Desai Rehman. Well • Introductory Speech by Shri Y B Chavan known vocalist R N • Address by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Paradkar rendered • National Anthem his Bhajan at the programme held at Cultural Programme and Fireworks Venue: St Xavier’s High School Nare Park. Similar Compound, Vile Parle, Time 8.30 p.m. programmes were • Shehnai by B B Jadhav held on 29h April • Maharashtra Geet by Yashwant Deo at Chowpatty and Party Invitation Card of the Unveiling of the Statue of Balraje Shivaji and Chembur • Kathak by Damayanti Joshi and Jijamata at Shivneri Township colony at • Song by Jyotsna Bhole 7 pm and 8.30 pm • Fishermen’s Folk Dance by Thakur and Party headed by Minister for Public Works D respectively. Details of the programme • Garba by Yogendra Desai and Party S Alias Balasaheb Desai. reveal that well known playback singer • Dance by Sudha Doraiswamy According to newspaper reports of Mukesh had sung at the programme • Song by R N Paradkar those days, several hundred people held at Chembur. • ‘Maharashtra Darshan’ by walked up to the steep hill to reach Since the inauguration of Kala Tarang Shivneri to attend the unveiling of the Maharashtra was scheduled at the • Kathak by Damayanti Joshi statue. The last of the programme on stroke of midnight connecting 30 April 27th April was ‘Cultural Programme and and 1 May, all programmes connected Inauguration of Maharashtra State Fireworks’ held at Shivaji Park at 8.30 to the formation of Maharashtra were Venue: Raj Bhavan, Time : 11.30 p.m. pm. According to the booklet, the line up held on 30th April. Details of these • Shehnai by Ramlal of the programme was as follows: programmes were as follows: 11.30 Introduction of special guests to • Shehnai by Babanrao Gaikwad Prime Minister • Maharashtra Geet by Yashwant Deo Saturday April 30 11.40 Vedic Prayers by Vasudevshastri Konkar and others and Party • Mass Rally Shivaji Park, 6.00 p.m. 11.45 Ovi ‘Pasayadan’ of Dnyaneshwar • Kathak by Gopi Krishna • Abhang ‘Soniyacha Divas’ of Dnyaneshwar rendered by Lata rendered by Lata Mangeshkar • Folk Dance by Madras Sisters (Sasi, Mangeshkar and family; presented by with Shehnai accompaniment Kala and Mala) Vasant Desai by Ramlal; presented by Vasant Desai • Fishermen’s Folk Dance by • Maharashtra Geet by Lata Mangeshkar and family 11.50 Speech by Shri Sri Prakasa, Dadarkar and Party • Introductory Speech by Shri Y B Governor of Bombay • ‘Maharashtra Samaj Darshan’ a Chavan, Chief Minister of Bombay 12.00 Switching on the button of Neon Ballet by Swami Samarth Sangeet • Address by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Map of Maharashtra State by Pt Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru Vidyalaya • National Anthem Address by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru • Maharashtra Geet (Hindi) by 12.07 Thanks by Shri Y B Chavan Mohammed Rafi *According to the description 12.10 National Anthem • Lavni by Usha Kiran provided by Indian News Review no • Garba by Yogendra Desai and party 604 published after the event and Apart from the booklet providing • Bharat Natyam by Madras Sisters attached to the Raj Bhavan file, a detailed programmes relating to State • ‘Maharashtra Darshan’ by Kala mammoth procession started from inauguration celebrations, the Director Tarang. the working class area of Bombay. of Publicity had published another Advertisements carrying the detailed Tableaus depicted incidents from the booklet that contains Greetings and

May 2012 47 Maharashtra Ahead

as Comptroller of the Governor’s May issued by the Director of Publicity, Sunday May 1 Swearing-in of State Cabinet Households and who had witnessed Government of Maharashtra. The Sachivalaya, 11.45 a.m. the ceremony, recalls that nearly 500 Circular reads: 11.45 Flag Hoisting by the Governor special invitees attended the ceremony “The Maharashtra Rajya Mahotsava 11.55 Vedic Prayers 12.34 Swearing-in of Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan. According to him, Mudra, issued to commemorate the and his Cabinet the stage was erected in the open birth of the State of Maharashtra, will Speech by Chief Minister space between the Banquet Hall and now be sold in gold and silver to the National Anthem Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan facing the members of the public against orders. Tattoo By Police Governor’s secretariat. Arrangement to Mudras in copper are expected to be Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, 9.30 p.m. serve tea and snacks was made on the ready soon. • Reveille • Massed Band lawn outside the Darbar Hall. According The Mudra (medallion), which • Mallkhamb to him, as soon as Pt Nehru pressed contains a drawing of the typical laman • Anti-dacoity operations the button to unveil the Neon map of diva – oil lamp – which is perpetually • Tattoo of Sinhagad • Retreat Maharashtra and to mark the birth of kept burning in practically every home the new State, there was a thunderous in Maharashtra and also a part of the Good Will messages to Maharashtra applause from the invitees. Newspapers inscription from the Gold Mohor issued State received from various leaders. of the following day reported that by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the These include congratulatory messages bells in temples and churches rang time of his coronation, is designed by from Dr Rajendra Prasad, President at midnight. Mills, factories, Railway Prof V N Adarkar, Principal, Sir J J of India, Dr S Radhakrishnan, Vice engines and Steamers blew horns and Institute of Applied Art. President of India, Maharshi Dhondo sirens to celebrate the moment. Initially, only a few mudras were Keshav Karve, Founder, Indian According to the Indian News struck in gold, which were presented to Women’s University, Pt Govind Ballabh Review no 604, for five days, buildings Shri Jawaharlal Nehru, Prime Minister Pant, Union Minister for Home Affairs, and offices were illuminated all over of India, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, Shri H Shri Morarji Desai, Union Minister for V Pataskar, Governor Finance, N. Sanjiva Reddy, President, of Madhya Pradesh, Indian National Congress, U.N. Dhebar, Shri N V Gadgil, Former President, Indian National Governor of Punjab, Congress and N H C Coyajee, Former Shri B. Ramkrishna Judge, Bombay High Court. Rao, Governor of Kerala, Shri Sri And the Moment comes… Prakasa, Governor The ceremony at Raj Bhavan was of Maharashtra, attended by a host of dignitaries Shri Y B Chavan, including the leaders who played Chief Minister of significant role in the struggle for the Maharashtra and Shri creation of Samyukta Maharashtra, V K Krishna Menon, Judges of the Bombay High Court, Union Minister for Consuls of various countries, eminent Sri Prakasa, Pt Nehru and Y B Chavan after unveiling the Map Defence. doctors, citizens, representatives of of Maharashtra A gold mudra is Industrial Workers’ unions, artists, ex- Mumbai to symbolize the festive spirit. estimated to cost about Rs.625, exclusive servicemen, etc. Thousands of people were roaming in of packing and postage charges, and a Sadashiv Gorakshkar, historian and the streets of Fort the whole night to see silver mudra about Rs.15, also exclusive author of ‘The History of Raj Bhavans the illuminated buildings. People were of packing and postage charges. The in Maharashtra’ has recorded that the delighted that both Western and Central silver mudra will weigh about four tolas ceremony was attended among others Railways had arranged for extra trains to and the gold mudra about 4 1/2 tolas, by Governor of Kerala B. Ramakrishna facilitate the movement of people. Apart the diameter of the mudra being 1 7/8”. Rao, Punjab Governor N V alias from buildings and offices, hundreds of Those desirous of buying the mudras, Kakasaheb Gadgil, Madhya Pradesh ships and boats lined up across the sea either in gold or in silver, should Governor Haribhau Pataskar, Defence shore at Appollo Bunder and Dadar place their orders with the Director of Minister V K Krishna Menon and Indira Chowpatty were illuminated. Publicity, Government of Maharashtra, Gandhi. Sachivalaya, Bombay 32, with an There are few people who were Maharashtra Rajya advance of Rs15 for a silver mudra and witness to the State Inauguration Mahotsav Mudra Rs.625 for a gold mudra. The orders are ceremony at Raj Bhavan. The Raj Bhavan file contains an to be booked before May 31, 1960.” Janardan Sankhe, 78, who retired interesting publicity Circular dated 16 It is not known how many people

48 May 2012 good will. Kind regards. Sri Prakasa”

Sri Prakasa's Moving Letter Even though formation of Maharashtra was a moment of jubilation for the majority of the people of Maharashtra, it had a tinge of sorrow. Gujarat which had been part of the old Bombay State for decades had become a separate State. Governor Sri Prakasa’s letter to his ‘old friend’ Dr Jivaraj Mehta, the first Chief Minister of Gujarat dated 6 May is very touching and reflects the tenderness of his feeling on the separation of Gujarat. placed their orders with the Director to successful inauguration of the new State Writes Sri Prakasa : “It had been in buy the gold medallions. But those who of Maharashtra.” In the concluding my mind to write to you a proper letter did surely struck gold, considering the part of his letter, the Governor refers ever since I bid sad good-bye to you current price of gold ! to the disturbances in Vidarbha in the that evening at the railway station here following words: in Bombay. I have had hectic days, and Unrest in Vidarbha “My great sorrow, however, is that my heart has been too sad for words. It is well known that a section of leaders many people in Vidarbha are creating I therefore did not feel strong enough from Vidarbha was strongly opposed to unnecessary trouble, and I may only to sit down and write to you. I feel, the creation of Samyukta Maharashtra. hope everyone there too will settle down however, that I must not delay any Expectedly, there were minor scuffles, to peaceful pursuits, and make the State longer, and so this goes.” violent protests and demonstrations a great success.” in some parts of Nagpur on the day of On the same day, the Governor A few paragraphs later, inauguration of Maharashtra State. dispatched a telegram to A. U. Shaikh, Sri Prakasa writes: Police had to resort to firing on 2-3 Commissioner, Nagpur which reads: “I wanted very much that the name occasions and impose curfew in a few “Very deeply distressed at continued of Bombay should be kept on for localities of the city. violent disturbances in Nagpur. Hope Vidarbha is particularly angry that In a letter to Chief Minister situation under control. Please convey it is not included in the new name of Yashwantrao Chavan dated 2 May, my sympathies to Collector, DSP and Maharashtra. Bombay could mean both, Governor Sripraka has congratulated other Officers and best wishes for but Maharashtra decidedly envisages the Chief Minister for “the happy and speedy successful restoration of peace, only the old conception, and does not necessarily include all Marathi- speaking people. I also see the danger lurking ahead of the stratification of linguism. However, we have to take things as they are, and make the best of them. I write all this to show to you how really sad I am at heart. The many functions I have still to go to seem to be rather desolate because I miss familiar faces. I am indeed an unfortunate man inasmuch as I have had to be associated as much with the disintegration first of the county itself, and then of the States of Madras and Bombay. I hope I shall have your sympathy and not your anger. My admiration for you is very very great indeed for I know Y B Chavan signs the papers after taking oath from Governor Sri Prakasa that though you were to be the

May 2012 49 Maharashtra Ahead

Chief Minister of Gujarat, you letters to Ministers in the newly formed Maharashtra State, the new Cabinet led preferred to be the Finance Minister of Government of Gujarat with whom by Chief Minister Yashwantrao Chavan a composite State rather than the head he apparently had personal bonding. was sworn in by Governor Sri Prakasa of a State of your own. The letters to Maneklal Shah, Minister at the Quadrangle of the Sachivalaya When the talk of the subject arose for Rural Welfare & Health, Ratubhai Annexe. during the Congress session at Nagpur Adani, Minister for Cooperation, The oath taking ceremony in January 1959, I said to Jawaharlal Rasiklal Parikh, Home Minister started with National Anthem, followed that you were very much against and Hitendra K Desai, Minister for by Prayers. At 12.34 p.m. Chief any talk of bifurcation and that your Law and Judiciary convey the Secretary presented the Chief Minister wishes deserve to be respected. He also Governor’s emotions over the parting of designate Y B Chavan who advanced was worried but he too had to yield. I the two States. in front of the Governor. The Chief have personally no doubt that you are Secretary then handed over to Shri going to make a great success of the Swearing-in the Maiden Chavan a copy of the Bhagwad Gita Gujarat State.” Cabinet of Maharashtra and a copy of oath separately. After Governor Sri Prakasa wrote similar Barely 12 hours after the formation of the reading of oath by Shri Chavan, the Governor administered the oath Sr Nos. Name of the Ministers Department to Ministers and Deputy Ministers. Ministers In a departure from normal practice 1 Chief Minister General Administration, Home, Planning and wherein no speeches are delivered Shri Yashwantrao Chavan Industries at the Swearing in ceremonies, Chief 2 Shri M. S. Kannamwar Minister for Buildings and Communications Minister Yashawantrao Chavan had 3 Shri Shantilal H. Shah Minister for Law, Judiciary and Labour made a speech immediately after the 4 Shri Vasantrao P. Naik Minister for Revenue oath taking and just before the National Anthem was played. 5 Shri B. G. Gadhe Minister for Rural Development and Forests By a notification issued by State 6 Shri S. K. Wankhede Minister for Finance Chief Secretary N T Mone on 1 May 7 Shri D. S. Desai Minister for Education 1960, the list of Ministers and their 8 Shri S. G. Kazi Minister for Civil Supplies, Housing, Printing portfolios in the first cabinet was Presses, Waqfs and Fisheries published. The notification reads as 9 Shri T. S. Bharde Minister for Co-operation follows: The notification stated that Shri 10 Shri P. K. Savant Minister for Agriculture Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan would be in charge of General Administration, 11 Dr. T. R. Naravane Minister for Prohibition and Social Welfare Home, Planning and Industries. 12 Shri S. B. Chavan Minister for Irrigation and Power *It can be seen that the honour 13 Shri H. J. H. Taleyarkhan Minister for Public Health, Small Savings of becoming the first woman and Tourism minister of Maharashtra went to 14 Shri D. Z. Palaspagar Minister for Urban Development Smt Nirmala Raje Bhosale, the Deputy Ministers Deputy Minister for Education.

1 Dr. Bhaskar R. Patel Deputy Minister for Prohibition Pat for Director of Publicity 2 Smt. Nirmala Raje Bhosale* Deputy Minister for Education from the Governor Governor Sri Prakasa’s letter to 3 Shri Devisingh V. Chauhan Deputy Minister for Buildings and Communications the then Director of Publicity Binod 4 Shri S. R. Patil Deputy Minister for Sarvodaya, Forest Labourers Rao complimenting the latter Societies and Khar Land Development 5 Shri G. D. Patil Deputy Minister for Planning and Industries for his role in the organization of various progr-ammes relating to 6 Dr. N. N. Kailas Deputy Minister for Co-operation Maharashtra State Inauguration 7 Shri M. D. Choudhari Deputy Minister for Revenue celebrations reveal the Governor’s humane qualities of head and heart. The 8 Shri Y. J. Mohite Deputy Minister for Home reply from Binod Rao to the Governor 9 Shri Madangopal J. Agrawal Deputy Minister for Public Health shows his feelings of gratefulness. The notings on the Raj Bhavan file 10 Shri N. U. Deshmukh Deputy Minister for Irrigation and Power shows that the Governor sent a similar 11 Shri Narendra M. Tidke Deputy Minister for Rural Development letter of appreciation to Dr V N Adarkar, 12 Shri Madhusudan A. Vairale Deputy Minister for Agriculture the Director of Sir J J Institute of Applied Art. 

50 May 2012 Water Scarcity Facts By WHO ➦ Water scarcity occurs even in areas where there is plenty of rainfall or freshwater. How water is conserved, used and distributed in communities, and the quality of the water available can determine if there is enough to meet the demands of households, farms, industry and the environment. ➦ Water scarcity affects one in three people on every continent of the globe. The situation is getting worse as needs for water rise along with population growth, urbanization and increases in household and industrial uses. ➦ almost one fifth of the world's population (about 1.2 billion people) live in areas where the water is physically scarce. One quarter of the global population also live in developing countries that face water shortages due to a lack of infrastructure to fetch water from rivers and aquifers. ➦ Water scarcity forces people to rely on unsafe sources of drinking water. It also means they cannot bathe or clean their clothes or homes properly. ➦ Millennium Development Goal number 7, target 10 aims to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Water scarcity could threaten progress to reach this target. ➦ Water scarcity encourages people to store water in their homes. This can increase the risk of household water contamination and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes - which are carriers of dengue fever, malaria and other diseases. ➦ P oor water quality can increase the risk of such diarrhoeal diseases as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery, and other water-borne infections. Water scarcity can lead to diseases such as trachoma (an eye infection that can lead to blindness), plague and typhus. ➦ Water scarcity underscores the need for better water management. Good water management also reduces breeding sites for such insects as mosquitoes that can transmit diseasees and prevents the spread of water- borne infections such as schistosomiasis, a severe illness. ➦ A lack of water has driven up the use of wastewater for agricultural production in poor urban and rural communities. More than 10% of people worldwide consume foods irrigated by wastewater that can contain chemicals or disease-causing organisms. ➦ Water is an essential resource to sustain life. As governments and community organizations make it a priority to deliver adequate supplies of quality water to people, individuals can help by learning how to conserve and protect the resource in their daily lives. O.I.G.S. Presented by The Government of India Maharashtra Ahead

Digamber W. Palve Senior Assistant Director, Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Maharashtra Government, Barrack No. 19, Free Press Journal Marg, Mumbai 400 021.

Printed at Navbharat Press Ltd., Navbharat Bhavan, Plot no. 13, Sector 8, Sanpada (East), Navi Mumbai 400 706. Published by Directorate General of Infromation & Public Relations Mantralaya Mumbai 400 032 on behalf of Government of Maharashtra. Editor-in-Chief Pramod T. Nalawade, Director General of Information and Public Relations.