Maharashtra To Assess Drought Situation In Three Stages; CM Fadnavis Says Relief Measures Underway

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government has already begun implementing drought relief measures in response to the region's declining rainfall and crop damage. The Opposition has called for declaring a drought in the drought-prone state, citing widening gaps in rainfall over various regions.

Fadnavis stated that his administration would not wait for central assistance to support farmers in distress, emphasizing the state's commitment to helping its farmers. To be officially declared a drought, the Maharashtra government will follow the revised Drought Management Code, which includes assessing rainfall, vegetation index, sown area, soil moisture, and groundwater levels.

This process will be carried out in three stages, with the first stage focusing on mandatory rainfall indicators, the second on determining the severity of drought using indicative indicators, and the third involving field surveys and verification. If the third stage confirms crop damage exceeding 33 percent, the village will qualify for a drought declaration.

The state-level drought monitoring committee, led by the Agriculture Commissioner, will submit its final report, which will guide the government's decision-making process. Agriculture Minister Dutta Bharne will also conduct review meetings and field visits before submitting recommendations to the Cabinet. Solapur has emerged as a major concern, with 68 villages already reliant on tanker water as crop damage is estimated at 80-85 percent.