{
  "id": 15607574,
  "title": "Declare Mulshi Drought-Hit Or Face Highway Blockade: Farmers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/declare-mulshi-drought-hit-or-face-highway-blockade-farmers",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T13:12:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/declare-mulshi-drought-hit-or-face-highway-blockade-farmers"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Mulshi Taluka Shetkari Sangh has urged the Maharashtra government to declare their taluka as drought-affected, or face consequences. At a recent press conference, Rajendra Marne, along with Hanumant Surve and Ram Gaikwad, highlighted that while several other Pune district talukas like Bhor, Velhe, and Junnar have been declared drought-affected, Mulshi has not received the same recognition despite enduring severe drought conditions. The group stated, “Mulshi is experiencing a critical drought situation, yet the government has failed to declare it drought-affected. Immediate action is required, or we will protest on the highway at Chandni Chowk.”\n\nThe farmers reported that paddy seedlings have withered and soybean crops have suffered losses, leading to significant agricultural distress. They also noted declining water levels in rivers, wells, and check dams, which could result in a severe shortage of drinking water and fodder for livestock. Earlier, the organization organized a bullock-cart and tractor march to the tehsil office, demanding the drought-affected status for their taluka. They also submitted a memorandum to the Pune District Collector requesting government intervention.\n\nIn addition to drought relief, the group has raised concerns about heavy traffic congestion at Bhugaon, Pirangut, and Ghotawade Phata. They have requested immediate measures to alleviate traffic issues in these areas. The organization has additionally sought a change in the jurisdiction of the police outpost, suggesting that it should be transferred to Paud or Pune city police instead of the existing Pimpri-Chinchwad police.\n\nRajendra Marne warned that a road blockade would be organized at Chandni Chowk after Diwali if their demands are not met. The protest is expected to involve farmers, political workers from various parties, the Krantikari Shetkari Sanghatana, agricultural tourism operators, poultry businesses, and insurance representatives, among other groups.",
  "summary": "Pune: The Mulshi Taluka Shetkari Sangh has demanded that the Maharashtra government declare Mulshi taluka drought-affected, warning that it will stage a road blockade at Chandni Chowk on the highway after Diwali if the demand is not met. At a press conference, Rajendra Marne, founder of the Mulshi Taluka Shetkari Sangh, along with Hanumant Surve and Ram Gaikwad, said several talukas in Pune…",
  "key_points": [
    "Mulshi Taluka Shetkari Sangh demands drought declaration for Mulshi.",
    "Farmers report crop losses and declining water levels.",
    "Protest threatens highway blockade if demands unmet."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}