Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan today stressed the need for taking long-term measures to tackle the recurring drought and increase water availability in the state. The Governor was speaking after inaugurating a two-day symposium, `Maharashtra – Past, Present and Future' – organised in Mumbai to mark the birth centenary of Maharashtra's first Chief Minister Y B Chavan. Sankaranarayanan said he has asked the State Government to complete the ongoing irrigation projects, which requires Rs 75,000 crore so that their benefits reach out to the people.The Governor said while Maharashtra can certainly take pride in its improving Human Development Indices, the state cannot afford to remain complacent. He said that there are still many pockets of under-development in Maharashtra, where currently 15 districts are facing drought. He added that the Government is committed to make every village malnutrition-free. The Governor, who is also Chancellor of universities in the State, said he was interested in promoting access to and excellence in higher education.Governor also applauded Late Y B Chavan’s contribution in the making of the State.