Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced that the state government has, for the first time, applied the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against networks allegedly involved in illegal cattle smuggling, unauthorised transportation of cows and unlawful slaughterhouse operations across the state.
Warning of strict action against organised illegal cattle trade, Fadnavis said the government was prepared to pursue strong legal measures against such activities and expressed confidence that the use of MCOCA would stand firm before the courts. He indicated that authorities would continue cracking down on syndicates operating in violation of state laws related to cattle protection and transportation.
The Chief Minister also reviewed Maharashtra’s preparedness for possible climate-related challenges during the upcoming monsoon and kharif season, particularly concerns surrounding the anticipated impact of El Nino. He said the government has already activated precautionary planning across districts to manage the risk of uneven or below-normal rainfall.
According to Fadnavis, multiple departments have been instructed to remain alert for potential extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain spells in certain regions and water shortages in others. He said district administrations have been equipped with contingency strategies to minimise damage to agriculture and rural infrastructure if weather conditions worsen.
The state government has also accelerated water conservation initiatives under the Jalyukt Shivar programme to improve water storage capacity ahead of the farming season. Officials have been directed to focus on efficient water management and encourage farmers to adopt careful irrigation practices during cultivation.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra’s agriculture planning this year is being shaped largely around the threat posed by El Nino conditions, which could affect crop cycles and rainfall distribution across several regions of the state.
