Maharashtra declares drought in 265 tehsils, affecting three-fourths of state
Maharashtra's state government has declared drought across 265 of the state's 358 tehsils, affecting approximately three-fourths of the state. The declaration, made under the Drought Management Code, 2016, comes as Maharashtra recorded an 18% rainfall deficit from June 1 to September 26, receiving 798.2 mm of rainfall against a normal 970.9 mm. The decision follows a report by the Agriculture Commissioner identifying drought-like conditions based on rainfall deficiency and other factors, including a continuous dry spell of at least 21 days without significant rainfall during the monsoon.
The drought situation varies across regions. Marathwada faces the most severe impact, with eight districts recording a 38% deficit, ranging from 16% in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to 48% in Hingoli. Vidarbha's 11 districts show an average deficit of 27%, with shortfalls ranging from 26% in Yavatmal to 42% in Amravati. Except for five districts, the entire state has recorded deficient rainfall during this period.
The drought declaration will trigger crop-loss surveys and immediate concessions including waiver of land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, a stay on recovery of agriculture-related loans, and relaxation of Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) norms. Financial assistance for crop losses will be determined separately after assessment is completed. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following a tour of rain-deficit areas, stated the government's focus would be providing relief to affected farmers, agricultural labourers, and working people.
