Latur (Maharashtra), Sep 24 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday reassured farmers that the state government will firmly support them during this challenging time. “All impacted farmers will receive assistance, regardless of eligibility criteria, and this aid is set to be distributed before Diwali,” he declared.

He further stated that the government will extend all necessary support, especially as severe rains resembling cloudbursts have caused river flooding across many regions, damaging crops and eroding fertile soil.

CM Fadnavis assessed the flood damage in Ujani village of Ausa taluka and Aurad Shahajani in Nilanga taluka, engaging with the affected farmers.

The Chief Minister mentioned that relief measures during the scarcity period will also be enacted for instances of heavy rainfall. Compensation will cover not only losses to crops but also damages to homes, shops, and other properties due to flooding.

On the previous day, the state government sanctioned the initial tranche of Rs 2,200 crore for relief efforts. Additional aid will be allocated based on damage assessments.

During his visit to Ujani, the Chief Minister announced the green light for the construction of a bridge over the Terna river connecting Ausa and Tuljapur talukas, as well as a road linking Ujani village to the national highway.

While in Aurad Shahajani, located at the merging point of the Terna and Manjara rivers on the Maharashtra-Karnataka border, CM Fadnavis personally listened to the farmers’ concerns.

He assured them, “Do not worry, the government will offer full support.” Farmers shared details about the losses of moong, urad, maize, soybean, and other crops.

The CM also unveiled plans for flood mitigation: constructing a protective wall, modernizing old barrages with new gates, and building new barrages to manage sudden water influxes. He noted that drone surveys and mobile images will be accepted as legitimate records for panchnama (damage assessment) where physical access is challenging.

In a related development, DCM Ajit Pawar, who also surveyed the flood damage to agriculture and properties in villages across Solapur, Dharashiv, and Beed districts, instructed the state electricity distribution company MahaVitaran to swiftly restore power in areas impacted by the severe rains and floods.

His directives come as power outages have affected numerous locations, particularly in Marathwada and many villages in western Maharashtra.

Against this backdrop, he urged Mahavitaran Managing Director Lokesh Chandra over the phone to restore power supply in these regions urgently. He also directed that necessary personnel be called from neighboring districts to restore and stabilize power supply in areas affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, ensuring transformers are promptly provided to the required locations.

Meanwhile, state BJP chief Ravindra Chavan announced that party MPs and legislators would contribute one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.