In drought-prone areas, camps ready but fodder missing

The fodder camps and depots were set up by the collectorate in drought-prone areas in the district in July following a long dry spell which had affected the entire State. After setting up the camp, the collectorate had twice issued tenders last month, but there was no response. The collectorate has now decided to make a third attempt urging fodder suppliers to show some concern.

The collectorate officers will be issuing a notice the third time on September 10. “We do not exactly know the reason for the poor response. We are hoping that we will be lucky the third time,’’ said district supply officer Snehal Barge.

She has also sought reports from the tehsildars to update her about the situation in the affected areas. Baramati, Purandar, Indapur, Daund, Shirur, Junnar and Ambegaon talukas have been the worst-hit by this monsoon. They either received scanty rainfall or no rainfall.

With the tenders to be opened from September 17, the collectorate wants enough awareness about the plan. “The tender forms are available with us at Rs 1,000. The private parties will be benefited with the Government willing to give them subsidies for the services to the affected areas,’’ said Barge.

There are three options, either to provide the supply to the entire district, or some talukas as well as have it being ferried to these areas.