Fadnavis seeks special NDRF aid as Maharashtra drought affects 265 talukas

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday to request special financial assistance for Maharashtra's severe drought situation. The state faces an emerging drinking water and fodder crisis, with around 32 districts affected and nearly 80 per cent of talukas experiencing drought conditions.

Fadnavis submitted Maharashtra's proposal for assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and urged Shah to expedite the assessment process. He requested that a Central team be dispatched immediately to inspect drought-affected areas from October 8 to 11, with findings to form the basis for NDRF's decision.

The Chief Minister said he had sought special assistance beyond normal relief measures given the scale of the crisis. Shah responded positively and assured maximum possible support within existing rules, with the process moving quickly.