Ambegaon taluka administration has been directed to prepare immediately for possible water scarcity after drought was declared in the area, with priority measures covering drinking water, livestock fodder and crop-loss assistance. The instructions were issued by Sub-Divisional Officer Archana Tambe at a taluka-level review meeting held at the sub-divisional office in Manchar on Thursday, October 15.
Tambe asked officials and employees to conduct a detailed assessment of the possible water shortage, fodder availability for livestock and damage to agricultural crops. Officials were instructed to inspect villages, hamlets and settlements facing scarcity and plan tanker-based water supply wherever required before the shortage becomes acute.
The review also focused on the condition of wells, existing water-supply schemes and other water sources across Ambegaon taluka. Tambe directed the administration to assess the current status of these sources and prepare an appropriate plan for drinking-water supply. The instructions place responsibility on the local machinery to identify vulnerable locations in advance rather than wait for water supply disruptions to emerge.
Livestock management formed another part of the drought response. Officials were asked to collect information on the fodder currently available, existing stocks and possible demand. This information is intended to support planning for the supply of fodder and water to livestock during the drought situation.
The administration was also directed to undertake field inspections to assess crop damage. The revenue, agriculture and panchayat samiti departments were told to conduct crop surveys according to government norms and ensure that the assessment records, known as crop panchnamas, are accurate and transparent. Reports are to be submitted on time so that eligible farmers can be considered for government assistance.
The meeting was attended by Ambegaon-Junnar Sub-Divisional Officer Tambe, Tehsildar Rahul Sarang, Block Development Officer Pramila Walunj, Kukadi Project Executive Engineer Ganesh Nannor, Forest Range Officer Vikas Bhosale and Deputy Engineer Datta Kokane, along with officials from other departments.
The directions bring several administrative functions into a single drought-response exercise: monitoring drinking-water sources, arranging tankers, maintaining fodder information, recording agricultural losses and processing relief-related action. The effectiveness of the response will depend on field inspections, timely reporting and coordination among the departments involved.
“During the drought situation, water, fodder and assistance to farmers should be prioritised, and all departments should work in coordination,” Tambe said. Officials are expected to proceed with inspections, data collection and supply planning for affected villages and settlements under the directions issued at the review meeting.
