In the wake of imminent drought in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan, an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) would hold discussions with the Chief Ministers of these States in the coming week on evolving immediate relief measures, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said at a public function here on Sunday.

Mr. Pawar called for readiness on the part of all parties to face drought. He called it a ‘grave situation.’ “The availability of water and fodder have never been so low. It is necessary to ensure that drinking water to last till July 2013 is stored.”