Maharashtra is on high alert. With at least 24,000 villages across the State affected by drought, and Marathwada, parts of Vidarbha, northern and western Maharashtra worst hit, Chief Minister Fadnavis is worried there would be a migration to neighbouring towns and cities. 

He has thus directed district collectors to step up enrollment under MNREGA, especially in rural areas, to ensure each and every individual earns minimum daily wages and that people are not adversely affected by drought. 

Not only do the authorities have to comply with the orders, but the State government has also relaxed existing guidelines and expanded their scope to other projects such as water conservation. 

It has dawned on the government has been impacted by the four-phase poll and that between March and April the enrollment was at a low. 
The machinery, be it the revenue ministry, or ministries of water conservation, agriculture, water resources and finance, now need to work on a war-footing and expand their outreach. Before it is too late.