The union government of India has approved a drought relief fund with about Rs 778 crore for the western state of Maharashtra, which was affected by lower rainfalls during the previous rainy season.

Some parts of Maharashtra are facing extreme drought condition in the second year while the state is facing a severe water shortage crisis. The state government is also relying on its contingency plans to ensure supply of drinking water to the people in the areas affected by the drought.

A senior level panel led by union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar gave its approval to the fund on Thursday after recommendations from a panel appointed by the government, on the matter. Out of the total Rs 778 crore sanctioned, Rs 563 crore aid was sanctioned in farm-aid, Rs 91 crore in fruit losses, Rs 73 crore towards livestock, and Rs 51 crore towards water supply.

Experts say that the Marathwada belt has been the worst affected and the water reservoirs in the area could go empty even before the summer season. State government has said that the much needed support from the central government will help contingency operations.