Aamir Khan, who was recently replaced as the face of the `Incredible India' campaign, is likely to be named as the ambassador of 'Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan', an initiative by Maharashtra government to make the state droughtfree by 2019. This decision comes three months after the actor found himself in the midst of a controversy on 'intolerance debate'. Some people expressed their disappointment on social networking sites, even before a formal announcement was made. They believe that actor Nana Patekar, who has been doing a lot of work for the farmers in the state, is the right man for the job.When contacted, Nana said, “First of all, I don't understand the term 'brand ambassador'. I feel it's just a fad and nothing else. The state government should focus on solving the problems of the farmers rather than appointing someone as the face of a campaign.“ At the same time, Nana doesn't disapprove of the government's choice and adds, “There is nothing wrong in appointing Aamir Khan. It's a great thing and I don't have any problems with it. I feel no one else should have any issues. The decision of appointing him as the brand ambassador for this cause will not stop me from doing my job. I don't need any permission or appointment letter to continue what I am doing.“ 

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Anirban Das (MID-DAY; February 18, 2016)

After extending financial support to drought- affected farmers in Maharashtra, Aamir Khan’s initiative to promote water conservation in the state has received an official stamp. The actor, in the presence of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, yesterday announced the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup under his Paani Foundation, which was also formally launched at the event. Aamir along with Satyajit Bhatkal, creator of talk show Satyamev Jayate, had come up with the water conservation plan and in May last year, the star had met Fadnavis for official support. He has managed to bring in business tycoons to be part of the cause. Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Baba Kalyani, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and director Rajkumar Hirani have already lent their support. “This intiative is people’s movement. Everyone has to come together to conserve water," Aamir said.

While an episode of Satyamev Jayate shed light on water scarcity and the importance of conservation, Aamir felt that the issue needed more attention given the rising cases of farmer suicides in the state. “We will communicate the cause through ads on TV and talk about it on social media and radio, and also create apps so that people can lend financial help and know about water management and conservation,” The star also revealed plans to meet his Bollywood colleague Nana Patekar, who has been deeply involved with the farmers’ cause, post the event.

Fadnavis was all praise for Aamir and exuded hope that the initiative would help curb the water scarcity in the state. “Aamir came up with a full fledged plan. He had many influential people backing him and now the government is also with him for the cause," he said.

As per plan, all villages of Maharashtra will be invited to take part in the Water Cup. “We will facilitate training to the villagers to save water and then, declare winners. The first edition of the Cup will be restricted to one taluka each in three districts — Koregaon in Satara (western Maharashtra), Ambajogai in Beed (Marathwada) and Warud in Amravati (Vidharba),” said Bhatkal.