Summary:
MUMBAI: The state government on Friday released Rs 2,000 crore towards drought relief measures. This is the third installment of funds released by the state and previously Rs 2900 crore was already disbursed in two installments.The state cabinet had approved spending Rs 2,000 crore from its contingency funds towards drought mitigation. Maharashtra has already declared 151 talukas as drought affected and had also sent a memorandum to the Centre seeking Rs 7,900 crore towards relief measures. Of the 1.6 crore farmers in the state, 82 lakh have been affected.Maharashtra government has also budgeted another Rs 2,000 crore from its contingency funds for drought relief.On Friday, the state approved Rs 173 crore for temporary water supply schemes in drought-affected areas. The Centre has, however, released only Rs 4714 crore.So far, 60% of the state's farmers are hit by drought..