The Centre has asked state governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan which are facing drought- like situation to give top priority to ensure supply of drinking water and make fodder available for livestock besides saving the standing crops.

Talking to reporters in New Delhi yesterday Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said that he asked these states to work out a scheme for transporting drinking water from available sources. Pawar assured financial support to states in this regard.

The Minister said that the situation is still bad in these states. There is problem in Karnataka, Marathwada and central parts of Maharashtra and Saurashtra and Kutch region of Gujarat.

The minister also informed that the Empowered Group of Ministers , EGoM on drought will meet on tomorrow to discuss further steps that need to be taken for mitigating the adverse impact of poor rain in these states.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar earlier briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the drought- like situation in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan after his visit to these states last week.The Minister said that he would send a status report to Prime minister.