IPL CAN SOLVE DROUGHT PROBLEM IN MAHARASHTRA ? The Controversy kicked up by drought in Maharashtra has found cricket as the cause of drought, The problem has been festering in Maharashtra over decades, The Govt. has done very little to attack this problem and take measures to augment the needs of irrigation and farmers, In fact there has been public outcry about crores having been sip honed off as loot and personal gain, The successive Govt, have not unearthed this massive mis appropriation The number of farmers suicides are not linked to IPL, which is but a recent phenomenon. The IPL became a platform to highlight drought and touch 92% of cricket lovers and sensitize them about drought situation and perhaps in many other states too approximately 10/13 States, but spotlight on Maharashtra. But why make IPL the culprit of Govt, propaganda and make IPL as the martyr of drought situation? IPL gave a fair promise to plough resources to elevate the situation, not that they were asked at anytime previously, If the large water to be used was not portable, how water is being diverted from the farmers needs. Now will this amount of water will be distributed equitable to all regions and will it mitigate drought situations? It defies such logic of administration and distributions. Water dams are dry in the state affecting cities and villages alike, with hope hinged on good rains
The Govt. has squarely failed by micromanaging drought solution over decades with each new Govt. transferring the blame to the other side. What about other water guzzling industries, hotel chains who are preferred and pampered consumers? Has any attempt been made to put restrictions on consumption and using portable water for non drinking purposes? The sudden unexpected shifting of venues is a strain on administration, arrangements, and movement of players and the annoying the cricket lovers .The court decision appears compassionate, but not a practical IPL is an Indian brand that is increasingly becoming popular, spotting and promoting new talent, who would otherwise left out unnoticed, The intermingling with International players raises the bar of performance and new stars are created on cricket horizon. It also enriches the state economy. Shifting outside India may not be in the best interest of our own economy and entertainment. IPL is not a serious sport, but mostly a lively entertainment with all types of attractions and distractions. One IPL session was held out like Film fare awards What is kept under tight wraps is the betting in crores, on different aspects of the game .This betting has even spread in villages, where the betting is in thousands making some rich and other into paupers. This is the real malaise and *obsessive* attraction linked to IPL. Either betting must be legalized or strict check maintained on bookies Some people have rattled IPL management and fortunately highlighted drought situation. Will post IPL the interest and focus on drought will be sustained to find meaningful permanent solution to overdue problem and contain farmers suicides that are alarmingly large to be ignored by such theatrics The ever growing sugar cane cultivation and factories encouraged by political class specially in Maharashtra and quantity of water computed for cultivation has much to do with drought in Maharashtra Nelson Lopes Chinchinim