Maharashtra Villages Seek Exclusion From Drought List Amid Irrigation Concerns

Hindustan Times · india

Residents of three talukas in Maharashtra's Gondia district are demanding exclusion from the state's drought-hit list, despite the general push for inclusion. Villagers from Arjuni Moregaon, Sadak Arjuni, and Goregaon argue that the drought classification has led to water restrictions, negatively impacting irrigation for rabi crops like paddy. They also fear that reduced water in forests could increase human-wildlife conflict. Farmers are willing to forgo drought benefits if irrigation supply is restored, stating their losses from crop failure exceed government assistance.