DHAKA: California politicians have announced a $687m (£412m) plan to provide immediate assistance to communities parched by an ongoing historic drought.

The proposal was put forward by state Democrats and California Governor Jerry Brown, reports BBC.

Most of the money, garnered from two previously voter-approved bonds, would go towards local water conservation.

The state is currently facing one of the worst droughts in the most populated US state`s history.

The proposal would put funds toward local water conservation and recycling efforts, including capturing storm water.
`Short-term help`

Food assistance would also be provided to communities hard hit by the drought under the plan, set to go to the state legislature.

During California`s worst drought on record, some farmers are using precious water to grow hay that is then shipped to China

Republicans have challenged the proposal, however, saying more focus must be placed on long-term water needs, including building more reservoirs.

"While short-term help is needed, Sacramento [the state capital] must also focus on a long-term water solution," Republicans Frank Bigelow and Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway wrote in a statement to US media.

The proposal comes just days after US President Barack Obama announced a major aid package for California.

More than $180m will be made available to help both ranchers who have lost livestock and communities suffering extreme hardship because of the lack of rain to grow crops.

The state has withered under less rain than at any point since 1850, with rivers at record lows and mountain snowpack - snow that melts over the coming months and provides water throughout the year - at only 20% of expected levels.

BDST: 0918 HRS, FEB 20, 2014