In Maharashtra, the story of a drought foretold

Maharashtra grapples with a water crisis following a weak monsoon, recalling the state's worst drought in 1972. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis fears the current drought may surpass 1972, this year's situation differs significantly. Unlike 1972, when three consecutive years of poor monsoons triggered a crisis, this year's drought was precipitated by just one bad season.

While the 1972 drought prompted dedicated action from politicians like Vitthal Sakharam Page, who raised funds through a tax surcharge, today's Maharashtra faces fiscal imprudence and a shortage of competent leaders. The state, despite having the most dams in the country, has only 17% to 18% of its cropped area under irrigation.

With over 100 per cent rains recorded in the previous year, 265 out of 358 talukas have been declared drought-affected so far. The administration, aligned with the central governing party, is expected to intensify state intervention during drought conditions, given the electoral imperative.