States » WestPosted at: Nov 8 2026 7:55PM


Fadnavis announces conditional lifting of borewell ban for orchards until Dec 15

Mumbai, Nov 8 (UNI) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that the restrictions on deepening borewells in agricultural fields will be relaxed until December 15 to help farmers protect their fruit orchards from drought conditions.
However, the relaxation will be limited to farmers having fruit orchards and will not amount to a blanket lifting of the ban.
Fadnavis made the announcement while interacting with farmers and village sarpanches at Lohari Sawanga village in Nagpur district, where he celebrated Diwali with a farmer's family.
“Fruit trees take nearly 10 to 12 years to reach their present stage. If we fail to save these orchards now, farmers will suffer huge losses. Therefore, as a special measure, the restrictions will be relaxed for borewells in areas where farmers have fruit orchards until December 15. However, the administration will keep a close watch on the implementation,” the Chief Minister said.
He clarified that the relaxation would be subject to official permission and monitoring.
While flushing of existing borewells would be permitted, deepening them would continue to remain restricted without the necessary approval.
“We have to ensure that groundwater resources last at least until May. This decision has been taken as a special case to protect fruit orchards,” he added.
During his interaction with village representatives, Fadnavis said several local issues concerning roads, lakes and other basic infrastructure had been brought to his attention. He assured them that the government would examine the demands and work towards resolving as many issues as possible.
Some proposals had already received approval from guardian ministers and local MLAs, while other suggestions and representations would be examined for implementation, he said.
The Chief Minister also spoke about his Diwali stay at the residence of farmer Rambhau Bhalpande. Thanking the family for their hospitality, he said the interaction had helped establish a close bond with them.
“I sincerely thank the entire Bhalpande family for their warm welcome and hospitality. They served us excellent food and breakfast. We developed a close relationship with the family. Their granddaughter Narayani is very sweet, and we became friends with her too,” Fadnavis said.
He noted that the family had also been affected by drought, with orange, cotton and soybean crops suffering losses. However, he expressed satisfaction that all three eligible account holders in the family had received the benefits of the farm loan waiver scheme.
Fadnavis said the family's determination to overcome difficulties had left a positive impression on him. Describing them as devotees of Lord Vitthal who regularly undertake the pilgrimage, he said their faith and confidence had given him renewed encouragement.
The Chief Minister's visit was aimed at understanding the ground realities faced by farmers and addressing their concerns through direct interaction with villagers and elected representatives.
UNI SP RN
Tags: #Fadnavis announces conditional lifting of borewell ban for orchards until Dec 15
More News

Maha: Crop inspections to be conducted through ‘e-Ferfar’ system: Revenue Minister Bawankule

08 Nov 2026 | 8:56 PM

Bharat Ghandat
Nashik, Nov 8 (UNI) The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has decided to conduct crop inspections through the 'e-Ferfar' system in areas where online Kharif crop registration is not possible due to technical and geographical difficulties.

see more..

'A Diwali without dowry deaths would be the real Diwali’: Dr Neelam Gorhe

08 Nov 2026 | 8:54 PM

Pune, Nov 8 (UNI) Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Legislative Council member Dr Neelam Gorhe has called for stronger action against dowry-related harassment and deaths, saying that a Diwali without a single dowry death would be the real celebration for Maharashtra and for her.

see more..

Fadnavis announces conditional lifting of borewell ban for orchards until Dec 15

08 Nov 2026 | 7:55 PM

Mumbai, Nov 8 (UNI) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that the restrictions on deepening borewells in agricultural fields will be relaxed until December 15 to help farmers protect their fruit orchards from drought conditions.

see more..

Local leaders should decide Satara District Bank Chairman, says Minister Shambhuraj Desai

08 Nov 2026 | 7:26 PM

Satara, Nov 8 (UNI) Maharashtra Minister and Satara Guardian Minister Shambhuraj Desai has called upon Mahayuti leaders in the district to resolve the issue of the chairmanship of the Satara District Central Cooperative Bank through mutual discussions, instead of repeatedly approaching senior leaders for a decision.

see more..

Mild earthquake of 2 6 magnitude hits Nagpur district on Diwali; epicentre near Umred

08 Nov 2026 | 7:06 PM

Nagpur, Nov 8 (UNI) Mild tremors were recorded in Nagpur district on Sunday afternoon, triggering concern among residents on Diwali. The quake, measuring 2.6 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 2.17 pm, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS).

see more..