Maharashtra Declares Drought In 265 Talukas After Severe Dry Spell; Relief Measures Announced For Farmers, Students And Rural Areas

The Maharashtra government has declared drought in 265 out of 365 talukas across the state, roughly 72 percent, under the Trigger 1 drought protocol. The most affected regions are Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of Northern, Western, and Coastal Konkan Maharashtra. This declaration follows Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's recent visit to drought-affected zones.

According to the agriculture commissioner's report, released on September 25, these talukas experienced drought-like conditions during the 2026 kharif season due to deficient rainfall. The report confirmed that Trigger-1, or the First Alert Stage, applies to these areas, which require at least a 21-day continuous dry spell without significant rainfall during the monsoon to be considered drought conditions.

The government has announced several relief measures in response to the severe dry spell, including concessions in land revenue, restructuring and deferral of recovery of agriculture-related loans, concessions on electricity bills for agricultural pumps, and exemption from examination fees for students in affected areas. Rural areas will also receive tanker-based drinking water supply, arrangements for fodder and foodgrains.

However, the financial relief for farmers who have suffered crop losses is yet to be finalized, with the assistance contingent on a detailed assessment of the extent of damage. District administrations have been instructed to initiate crop loss assessments in the affected areas promptly, conducting field inspections and preparing detailed reports.

These assessments will be compiled at the district level and submitted to the state government, paving the way for further relief measures.