Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has said that implementing river-linking projects could help prevent drought situations in the future. Addressing media in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar today, Mr Athawale stressed on river-linking projects along with the construction of dams. The Minister who also visited drought-affected areas in the Marathwada region, highlighted the growing need for such projects.
Mr Athawale also stated that the state government was working on the initiative. He also urged researchers in the fields of agriculture and the environment to study the issue to help prevent droughts in the future. Athawale further said that he would make efforts to increase the assistance provided to farmers by the state government, as well as the funds allocated for fodder for livestock.
On the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Athawale said that opposition parties frequently raised doubts about the machines. However, he remarked that they did not blame the machines after winning elections. He suggested that any alleged defects in EVMs should be brought to the attention of the Election Commission.
