Beed, November 2026 : The district administration has stepped up efforts to tackle the drought-like situation in Beed. Against this backdrop, a review meeting was held today at the Collectorate under the chairpersonship of Pankaja Munde, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Animal Husbandry. The meeting primarily focused on fodder availability, drinking water and incomplete projects. Munde appreciated the efforts of the team led by Beed District Collector.
Assistance to farmers and crop insurance
According to a presentation made by District Collector Vivek Johnson, the district received only 63 per cent of its average rainfall this year. As a result, crops spread across 7,84,479 hectares suffered damage exceeding 33 per cent. The administration has sought funds amounting to Rs 754.79 crore to provide relief.
The administration is also planning to provide an advance payment of Rs 5,000 to farmers under the crop insurance scheme. The meeting reviewed the status of the Diwali assistance announced by the Chief Minister for farmers, as well as the progress of the loan waiver process, including the KYC formalities.
Water scarcity and action against illegal extraction
The district's groundwater level has declined by 4.55 metres, while the 164 water projects together have only 12.01 per cent of their storage capacity remaining. With 51 projects having dried up, water is being supplied through 294 tankers.
To prevent illegal extraction of water, the administration has disconnected 2,710 unauthorised water connections and seized 266 pumps.
Expressing concern over the decline in groundwater levels, Munde directed officials to prepare detailed plans to tackle water scarcity until the next monsoon. She also instructed them to expedite the completion of pending water supply projects.
Livestock and fodder management
The fodder currently available in the district is estimated to be sufficient for only 26 days. Referring to the occasions of Vasu Baras and Govardhan Puja, Munde expressed particular concern over the condition of livestock.
She said that, just like people, animals were also suffering due to the shortage of water and fodder. Plans have been drawn up to increase fodder production with the support of the Forest Department, Animal Husbandry Department and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
It was also decided that if cattle camps become necessary in the future, technologies such as geo-fencing and livestock tagging would be used to monitor their operations and animals.
Women’s empowerment and promotion of local products
The meeting also discussed ways to promote local products from Beed and Jalna districts. Munde said there were plans to develop a distinct brand for silk and handloom products from the two districts through women’s self-help groups, thereby creating employment opportunities for women.
Employment generation and water conservation
To prevent the migration of labourers during the drought, various works have been undertaken under the Employment Guarantee Scheme. These include the ‘Silt-Free Dams, Silt-Rich Farms’ initiative, deepening of streams and other water conservation activities.
Minister Pankaja Munde directed the administration to ensure effective implementation of all these measures and provide timely assistance to farmers and the general public.
Chief Executive Officer Jitin Rahman, Resident Deputy Collector Shivkumar Swami and heads of the concerned departments attended the meeting.
