Maharashtra Declares Drought in 265 Tehsils Amid Deficient Rainfall

MUMBAI/NAGPUR, SEP 26 : The Maharashtra government on Saturday declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 tehsils following deficient rainfall and prolonged dry spells that have adversely affected crops across large parts of the state.

The declaration brings nearly three-fourths of Maharashtra under drought conditions and paves the way for crop-loss assessments and the implementation of relief measures for affected farmers.

Under the relief package, farmers in the affected areas will be eligible for concessions, including waiver of land revenue, restructuring of crop loans and suspension of recovery proceedings related to agricultural loans.

A separate decision on financial compensation for crop losses will be taken after completion of the assessment process.

The notification was issued two days after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during his visit to rain-deficit regions, indicated that the state would shortly announce the drought-affected areas.

According to a Government Resolution (GR), a report submitted by the Agriculture Commissioner identified drought-like conditions in 265 tehsils from June onwards due to inadequate rainfall and related factors.

The report stated that Trigger-1, which refers to a continuous dry spell of at least 21 days during the monsoon season, was applicable in all the identified tehsils.

District Collectors have been directed to undertake immediate crop-damage surveys through panchnamas. Officials have also been instructed to document crop conditions with geo-tagged photographs and submit detailed reports to the state government through the Agriculture Commissioner.

The survey findings will be used to assess the extent of crop losses and determine the quantum of assistance to be provided to affected farmers.

The state government said a separate Government Resolution regarding financial assistance to farmers would be issued after completion of the assessment and other procedural formalities.