100% drought likely to be declared in Maharashtra by month-end, says Minister

Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil on Monday said the BJP-led Mahayuti government will soon declare 100% drought in the State. Speaking on the severity of the crisis, Mr. Patil said, “In my entire life, I have never seen such a severe drought. All crops, including soya bean, cotton and sugarcane, have suffered due to the dry spell and the loss is huge. The 100% drought declaration is expected by the end of September based on the National Disaster Response Fund norms.”

The Minister said the government has already initiated measures such as fee waiver for students, electricity bill waiver, and deployment of water tankers to provide relief.

The statement assumes significance as it is the first time a Minister has spoken of a 100% drought declaration. So far, the official position of the government has been that crop damage surveys and ground verification would be conducted after October 5.

Several regions in the State have been facing a prolonged dry spell, causing extensive crop loss and forcing farmers to incur heavy losses. According to the State Agriculture Department, rainfall has remained absent for over 20 days in at least 83 talukas across 20 districts. At least six districts, including Amravati, Solapur and Latur, have recorded rainfall deficit of 40-50%. Water tankers have started plying in villages such as Naichakur in Dharashiv district.

Advisory to districts

In view of the crisis, the State government has instructed district administrations to revive existing water sources and build water supply networks in villages facing shortage instead of treating tankers as the first solution.

A circular issued by the State Soil and Water Conservation Department on September 16 stated that the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency will identify villages with drinking water shortage and submit the list to District Collectorates by October. District Collectors will have to plan interventions for the villages for the period between October and December. The plans are to be submitted by November 15, followed by plans for January-March 2027 by December 20, and for April-June 2027 by January 20, it stated.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the government would not wait for Central assistance to help farmers facing distress due to inadequate rainfall. “A formal crop loss assessment would be carried out after October 5 as required under the rules, following which the State would seek assistance from the Centre,” he told reporters.